Beverage carbonating system and method for carbonating a beverage

ABSTRACT

A beverage carbonation system, container, carbonator and method for carbonating a beverage are provided. The beverage carbonation system has a container that is removably engageable with a carbonator. The container has a container outlet valve and a container inlet valve that are fluidly engageable with a carbonator outlet port and carbonator inlet port, respectively. At least one pump transfers liquid and carbon dioxide gas between a container chamber and a carbonation chamber when the container is engaged with the carbonator, thereby carbonating the liquid. When the container is disengaged from the carbonator, the container outlet valve and the container inlet valve are closed to fluidly seal the container containing the carbonated liquid.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/929,372, filed Jun. 27, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/782,449, filed Mar. 1, 2013, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/537,476,filed Jun. 29, 2012. The entire contents of each of the aforementionedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate to a beverage carbonation system,container and carbonator, and a method for carbonating a beverage.

BACKGROUND

Carbonated beverages such as, for example, sodas and sparkling water arepopular with consumers. Many carbonated beverages are prepared at afactory and shipped to stores, where consumers travel to purchase them.Each of the preparation, shipping and travel may contribute to a highercost per beverage for the consumer. Accordingly, it may be desirable tohave a beverage carbonation system usable by a consumer in his/her home,for example. This may also be more convenient for a consumer.

Beverage carbonation systems are known in the art. See, for example,United States Patent Application No. 2011/0226343 to Novak et al. andU.S. Pat. No. 5,260,081 to Stumphauzer et al.

When exposed to the atmosphere, a carbonated beverage will eventuallylose its “freshness” or “go flat”. It is desirable to provide a beveragecarbonation system that may be used in the home and allows a user toprepare a carbonated beverage for immediate or later consumption, whilestill maintaining a sufficient level of carbonation or “freshness” forthe later consumption.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, some embodiments of the invention provide a beveragecarbonation system comprising a container and a carbonator removablyengageable with the container. The container comprises a shell defininga container chamber for holding a liquid. The container also comprises acontainer outlet valve having a closed position and an open position,and a container inlet valve having a closed position and an openposition. The carbonator comprises a carbonator outlet port fluidlyengageable with the container outlet valve when the container outletvalve is in the open position. The carbonator outlet port is fluidlyconnected to a carbonation chamber containing a carbon dioxide sourcethat produces a carbon dioxide gas. The carbonator further comprises atleast one pump in fluid communication with the container chamber and thecarbonation chamber to transfer the liquid between the container chamberand the carbonation chamber. The carbonator also comprises a carbonatorinlet port fluidly engageable with the container inlet valve when thecontainer inlet valve is in the open position. The carbonator inlet portis in fluid communication with the carbonation chamber to transfer thecarbon dioxide gas between the carbonation chamber and the containerchamber when the container is engaged with the carbonator, therebycarbonating the liquid. When the container is disengaged from thecarbonator, the container outlet valve and the container inlet valve areclosed to fluidly seal the container containing the carbonated liquid.

In some embodiments, the carbonator further comprises a port actuatorconnected to one of the carbonator inlet port and the carbonator outletport to fluidly engage the one of the carbonator inlet port and thecarbonator outlet port with a respective one of the container inletvalve and the container outlet valve.

In some embodiments, the port actuator further comprises a port holderconnected to the one of the carbonator inlet port and the carbonatoroutlet port, and a port driver configured to selectively act upon theport holder to move the one of the carbonator inlet port and thecarbonator outlet port into fluid engagement with the respective one ofthe container inlet valve and the container outlet valve.

In some embodiments, the carbonator further comprises a second portactuator connected to an other one of the carbonator inlet port and thecarbonator outlet port to fluidly engage the other one of the carbonatorinlet port and the carbonator outlet port with a respective other one ofthe container inlet valve and the container outlet valve.

In some embodiments, the port driver that acts upon the port holder, tomove the one of the carbonator inlet port and the carbonator outlet portinto fluid engagement with the respective one of the container inletvalve and the container outlet valve moves an other one of thecarbonator inlet port and the carbonator outlet port into fluidengagement with a respective other one of the container inlet valve andthe container outlet valve.

In some embodiments, the container further comprises a mouth defined bythe shell for receiving the liquid into the container chamber and aclosure for sealing the mouth.

In some embodiments, one of the container outlet valve and the containerinlet valve are in the closure.

In some embodiments, the container outlet valve is in the closure, andthe container inlet valve is in the shell of the container.

In some embodiments, the container outlet valve is located at a top endof the container, and the container inlet valve is located at a bottomend of the container.

In some embodiments, the closure is removably attachable to the shell ofthe container, and when the closure is attached to the shell of thecontainer to seal the mouth and the container outlet valve and thecontainer inlet valve are closed, the container containing thecarbonated liquid is sealed.

In some embodiments, the beverage carbonation system also comprises acarbonation tube fluidly connected to the container outlet valve andextending inwardly into the container chamber. The carbonation tube isconfigured to receive carbon dioxide gas from the container chamber forrecirculation between the container outlet valve and the container inletvalve.

In some embodiments, the beverage carbonation system the containeroutlet valve is in a closure for sealing a mouth defined by the shell ofthe container, the carbonation tube is attached to the closure andextends inwardly from the closure to the container chamber.

In some embodiments, an elevated pressure occurs in the containerchamber when the carbonated liquid is formed therein, and the elevatedpressure is substantially maintained during disengagement of thecontainer and the carbonator.

In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide source is a solid material thatis chemically reactive with the liquid to emit the carbon dioxide gaswhen the liquid contacts the carbon dioxide source.

In some embodiments, the solid material is a mixture of sodiumbicarbonate and citric acid, and the liquid is water.

In some embodiments, the beverage carbonation system comprises a wastereservoir located in the carbonator outside the carbonation chamber andat least partially removable from a remaining portion of the carbonator,and a waste valve in fluid communication with the carbonation chamberthat is openable to release a waste product from the carbonation chamberinto the waste reservoir.

In some embodiments, the beverage carbonation system also comprises acarbon dioxide cartridge for containing the carbon dioxide source and atransfer mechanism for transferring the carbon dioxide source from thecarbon dioxide cartridge to the carbonation chamber.

In some embodiments, the carbonation chamber is integrally formed in thecarbonator, and the transfer mechanism comprises at least one cutterconfigured to cut away at least a portion of the carbon dioxidecartridge to release the carbon dioxide source from the carbon dioxidecartridge into the carbonation chamber.

In some embodiments, the beverage carbonation system comprises a flavorchamber containing a flavor source and fluidly connected to thecarbonator inlet port. In some cases, the carbonation chamber is fluidlyconnected to the carbonator inlet port via the flavor chamber, and whenthe container inlet port is open, the carbon dioxide gas pressurized inthe carbonation chamber travels into and through the flavor chamber toforce the flavor source in the flavor chamber into the container via thecontainer inlet valve, to flavor and carbonate the liquid in thecontainer.

In some embodiments, the carbonator further comprises a heater in fluidcommunication with the pump and the carbonation chamber, to heat theliquid transferring from the container chamber to the carbonationchamber

In some embodiments, the carbonation chamber has an opening sized topermit a carbon dioxide source tablet to pass therethrough and into thecarbonation chamber, the flavor chamber has an opening through which theflavor source is receivable therethrough and into the flavor chamber,and the carbon dioxide source tablet is larger than the opening of theflavor chamber, whereby the flavor chamber blocks the passage of thecarbon dioxide source tablet through the opening of the flavor chamberand into the flavor chamber.

In some embodiments, the carbonation chamber receives the liquid fromthe container chamber via a carbonation inlet. In some cases, the flavorchamber and the carbonation chamber are adjacent to one another and areseparated by a chamber wall extending therebetween and the flavorchamber and the carbonation chamber are in fluid communication with oneanother by a chamber aperture in the chamber wall. In some cases, whenthe carbon dioxide gas travels into and through the flavor chamber, thecarbonation chamber is fluidly sealed except for the chamber apertureand the carbonation inlet.

In some embodiments, the beverage carbonation system comprises a flavorcartridge for containing the flavor source and a transfer mechanism fortransferring the flavor source from the flavor cartridge to the flavorchamber.

In some embodiments, the beverage carbonation system comprises acombination cartridge having a carbon dioxide cartridge for containingthe carbon dioxide source and a flavor cartridge for containing theflavor source and a transfer mechanism for transferring the flavorsource from the flavor cartridge to the flavor chamber and the carbondioxide source from the carbon dioxide cartridge to the carbonationchamber. In some cases, the carbon dioxide cartridge and the flavorcartridge are coupled to one another.

In some embodiments, the beverage carbonation system comprises a filterchamber in the carbonator and containing a removable filter in fluidcommunication with the container chamber to filter the liquid.

In some embodiments, the carbonator has a container holder rotatablyconnected to the remaining portion of the carbonator about a pivot axis,the container holder is rotatable about the pivot axis to an openposition for receiving the container therein, and the container holderis rotatable about the pivot axis to a closed position for carbonatingthe liquid in the container when the container is in the containerholder.

In some embodiments, the pivot axis is proximate a bottom end of thecarbonator.

According to another aspect, some embodiments of the invention provide acontainer for making a carbonated beverage. In these embodiments, thecontainer is removably engageable with a carbonator having a carbonatoroutlet port fluidly connected to a carbonation chamber containing acarbon dioxide source that produces a carbon dioxide gas and having acarbonator inlet port fluidly connected to the carbonation chamber. Thecontainer comprises a shell defining a container chamber for holding aliquid, a container outlet valve having a closed position and an openposition, and a container inlet valve having a closed position and anopen position. The container outlet valve is fluidly engageable with thecarbonator outlet port when the container outlet valve is in the openposition. The container chamber is fluidly engageable with at least onepump in fluid communication with the carbonation chamber to transfer theliquid between the container and the carbonation chamber. The containerinlet valve is fluidly engageable with the carbonator inlet port whenthe container inlet valve is in the open position. The carbonator inletport is in fluid communication with the carbonation chamber to transferthe carbon dioxide gas between the carbonation chamber and the containerchamber when the container is engaged with the carbonator, therebycarbonating the liquid. When the container is disengaged from thecarbonator, the first container outlet valve and the container inletvalve are closed to fluidly seal the container containing the carbonatedliquid.

In some embodiments, the container inlet valve is fluidly engageablewith the carbonation chamber via a flavor chamber in the carbonator andcontaining a flavor source. When the container inlet port is open, thecarbon dioxide gas pressurized in the carbonation chamber travels intoand through the flavor chamber to force the flavor source in the flavorchamber into the container via the container inlet valve, to flavor andcarbonate the liquid in the container.

According to a yet another aspect, some embodiments of the inventionprovide a carbonator for making a carbonated beverage. In theseembodiments, the carbonator is removably engageable with a containerhaving a container outlet valve having a closed position and an openposition and a container inlet valve having a closed position and anopen position. The carbonator comprises a carbonator outlet port fluidlyengageable with the container outlet valve when the container outletvalve is in the open position. The carbonator outlet port is fluidlyconnected to a carbonation chamber containing a carbon dioxide gassource that produces a carbon dioxide gas. The carbonator also comprisesat least one pump in fluid communication with the carbonation chamberand fluidly engageable with the container chamber to transfer the liquidbetween the container chamber and the carbonation chamber. Thecarbonator also comprises a carbonator inlet port fluidly engageablewith the container inlet valve when the container inlet valve is in theopen position, wherein the carbonator inlet port is in fluidcommunication with the carbonation chamber to transfer the carbondioxide gas between the carbonation chamber and the container chamberwhen the container is engaged with the carbonator, thereby carbonatingthe liquid. When the container is disengaged from the carbonator, thecontainer outlet valve and the container inlet valve are closed tofluidly seal the container containing the carbonated liquid.

In some embodiments, the carbonator also comprises a flavor chambercontaining a flavor source and fluidly connected to the carbonator inletport. The carbonation chamber is fluidly connected to the carbonatorinlet port via the flavor chamber. When the container inlet port isopen, the carbon dioxide gas pressurized in the carbonation chambertravels into and through the flavor chamber to force the flavor sourcein the flavor chamber into the container via the container inlet valve,to flavor and carbonate the liquid in the container.

In some embodiments, the carbonation chamber receives the liquid fromthe container chamber via a carbonation inlet. In some cases, the flavorchamber and carbonation chamber are adjacent to one another and areseparated by a chamber wall extending therebetween and the flavorchamber and the carbonation chamber are in fluid communication with oneanother by a chamber aperture in the chamber wall. In some cases, whenthe carbon dioxide gas travels into and through the flavor chamber, thecarbonation chamber is fluidly sealed except for the chamber apertureand the carbonation inlet.

According to yet a further aspect, some embodiments of the inventionprovide a method of making a carbonated beverage. The method comprisesintroducing a liquid into a container, sealing the container with aclosure, engaging the container with a carbonator, placing a carbondioxide source in a carbonation chamber of the carbonator, opening acontainer outlet valve in the container to transfer a portion of theliquid to the carbonation chamber to react with the carbon dioxidesource in the carbonation chamber to produce a carbon dioxide gas,opening a container inlet valve in the container to transfer the carbondioxide gas produced by the carbon dioxide source into the container toobtain a carbonated liquid in the container, closing the containeroutlet valve and the container inlet valve to seal the container, anddisengaging the container from the carbonator.

In some embodiments, the method comprises, prior to closing thecontainer outlet valve and the container inlet valve to seal thecontainer and disengaging the container from the carbonator, placing aflavor source in a flavor chamber of the carbonator and transferring thepressurized carbon dioxide gas produced in the carbonation chamber intoand the through the flavor chamber to transport the flavor source andthe carbon dioxide gas to the container inlet valve. Opening thecontainer inlet valve in the container transfers the carbon dioxide gasproduced by the carbon dioxide source and the flavor source into thecontainer to produce a carbonated and flavored liquid in the container.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises heating the portion ofthe liquid transferring from the container chamber to the carbonationchamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary beveragecarbonation system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary first carbonator outletvalve of the beverage carbonation system of FIG. 1, in the closedposition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first carbonator outlet valve ofFIG. 2, in the open position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the beverage carbonation system of FIG.1, wherein the container and carbonator are engaged;

FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of the beverage carbonation systemof FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cut-away perspective view of an exemplary container;

FIG. 7 is a cut-away perspective view of an exemplary carbonator;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary carbon dioxide cartridgeand transfer mechanism, wherein the carbon dioxide cartridge is sealed;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carbon dioxide and transfermechanism of FIG. 8, wherein the carbon dioxide cartridge is open;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carbon dioxide cartridge of FIG. 8and another exemplary transfer mechanism, wherein the carbon dioxidecartridge is sealed;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the carbon dioxide cartridge andtransfer mechanism of FIG. 10, wherein the carbon dioxide cartridge isopen;

FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view of another exemplary beveragecarbonation system;

FIG. 13 is a cut-away perspective view of yet another exemplary beveragecarbonation system;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary flavor cartridge;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary combination cartridgehaving a carbon dioxide portion and a flavor portion;

FIG. 16 is a cut-away perspective view of another exemplary container;

FIG. 17 is a cut-away perspective view of another exemplary carbonator;

FIG. 18 is a cut-away perspective view of a further exemplary beveragecarbonation system;

FIG. 19 is a cut-away perspective view of yet a further exemplarybeverage carbonation system;

FIG. 20 is a schematic of yet another exemplary beverage carbonationsystem;

FIG. 21 is a cut-away side view of the beverage carbonation systemschematically illustrated in FIG. 20, wherein the container holder is inthe open position;

FIG. 22 is a cut-away side view of the beverage carbonation system ofFIG. 21, wherein the container holder is in the closed position;

FIG. 23 is a cut-away side view of an exemplary container inlet valveand carbonator inlet port of the beverage carbonation systemschematically illustrated in FIG. 20, in the closed position;

FIG. 24 is a cut-away side view of an exemplary container outlet valveand carbonator outlet port of the beverage carbonation systemschematically illustrated in FIG. 20, in the closed position;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary combination cartridge;

FIG. 26 is a front view of the combination cartridge of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the combination cartridge of FIGS. 25and 26 with the pierceable cover removed;

FIG. 28 is a top view of the combination cartridge of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a top view of an exemplary transfer mechanism of the beveragecarbonation system schematically illustrated in FIG. 20;

FIG. 30 is a cut-away side view of the transfer mechanism of FIG. 29,taken along line A-A in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a cut-away side view of another beverage carbonation system,with a chamber lid removed from the remainder of the carbonator, inaccordance with at least one embodiment; and

FIG. 32 is a cutaway side view of the beverage carbonation system ofFIG. 31, with the chamber lid attached to the remainder of thecarbonator, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which shows an example embodiment ofa beverage carbonation system 100. In the example shown, beveragecarbonation system 100 comprises a container 102 and a carbonator 104.Carbonator 104 is removably engageable with container 102.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, a user of beverage carbonation system 100may fill container 102 with a liquid 106, such as, but not limited to,water, juice, coffee and alcohol. In some cases, container 102 has amouth 108 and a closure 110 for sealing mouth 108. After the user fillscontainer 102 with liquid 106, the user may seal mouth 108 with closure110. When container 102 is filled with liquid 106 and engaged withcarbonator 104, carbonator 104 can draw a quantity of liquid 106 fromcontainer 102 for mixing with a reactive carbon dioxide source in thecarbonator 104 to produce gaseous carbon dioxide. The gaseous carbondioxide is introduced into container 102 to mix with the liquid thereinto form a carbonated liquid in container 102. In addition, thecarbonator may circulate the liquid through a flavor chamber containinga flavor source (e.g. flavor crystals, coffee grinds, or syrup) toobtain a flavored liquid. The user is able to disengage the container102 from carbonator 104 to obtain a sealed carbonated beverage that maybe opened for immediate consumption or stored for later use. The sealedcarbonated beverage may share some characteristics with a store boughtcarbonated beverage, because sealed container 102 limits exposure toambient pressure and reduces carbonation losses.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, carbonator 104 may comprise a cavity 112for receiving at least a portion of container 102. In the example shown,carbonator 104 comprises a cavity 112 sized to receive a base 114 ofcontainer 102. Optionally, cavity 112 and base 114 have correspondingcircular shapes. In some embodiments, one or more of base 114 and cavity112 comprise retentive elements for securing container 102 to carbonator104. The retentive elements may comprise, for example, mating magneticelements, mating threads, a friction grip or a detent mechanism. In theexample shown in FIG. 1, base 114 has recesses 116 for receiving latches118 of cavity 112. In an alternative embodiment, the recesses arelocated in cavity 112, and the latches are located in base 114 (notshown).

The retentive elements (ex. recesses 116 and latches 118) may engageautomatically upon the insertion of container 102 into cavity 112. Eachlatch 118 may be biased inwardly (by a spring, for example) toward acorresponding recess 116. Alternatively, the retentive elements may beactuated in response to an additional action by the user. For example,the movement of a button may cause latches 118 to insert into recesses116. In other embodiments, the retentive elements may be electronicallyactuated. For example, a controller may power mating electromagnets uponthe start of the carbonation process. Or alternatively, the retentiveelements may be engaged by the user with a manual lever, latch or lock(not shown).

The retentive elements may be releasable automatically upondisengagement of container 102 and carbonator 104. For example, theaction of pulling container 102 apart from carbonator 104 may provideenough outward force to overcome the inward bias of springed latches118. Alternatively, latches 118 may recede from recesses 116 by themovement of a button. In another example, a controller disconnectsmating electromagnets from a power source to disengage latches 118 andrecesses 116. Or alternatively, the retentive elements may be disengagedby the user with a manual lever, latch or lock (not shown).

Continuing to refer to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, container 102comprises a shell 120 defining a container chamber 122 for holdingliquid 106. Shell 120 may be made of glass or plastic, for example. Asillustrated, base 114 is a part of shell 120. Container 102 may be abottle. Container 102 may also have a mouth 108 defined by shell 120 forintroducing the liquid into container chamber 122. Optionally, mouth 108is located at the top of container 102 and provides an upwardly facingopening when container 102 stands upright. Optionally, at least aportion of shell 120 tapers inwardly towards mouth 108, to facilitateliquid consumption directly from mouth 108, if desired.

Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, container 102 mayalso comprise a closure 110 for sealing mouth 108. Closure 110 may beconfigured to operatively open and seal mouth 108. To open mouth 108,closure 110 may be removed entirely from mouth 108. As shown, closure110 may be a lid that is removably engageable with mouth 108. Closure110 and mouth 108 may have mating threads that permit a user to twistclosure 110 onto and off of container 102. Optionally, closure 110 ismade of rubber material or has a rubber gasket therein to create a sealwith mouth 108. Alternatively, closure 110 may be manipulated to have anopening therethrough (ex. by having a sliding or hinged door built intothe closure, which are not shown). When the closure 110 operativelyopens mouth 108, the user can pour a liquid into or out of mouth 108.When closure 110 operatively seals mouth 108, mouth 108 is sealed in asubstantially gas-tight and liquid-tight manner. Although closure 110 isillustrated as a threaded lid, other non-limiting examples for closure110 include a removable adhesive film, a resilient plug or a cork.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, container 102 has firstcontainer outlet valve 124 in shell 120. Optionally, first containeroutlet valve 124 is located in base 114. First container outlet valve124 has a closed position and an open position. When first containeroutlet valve 124 is in the open position, it provides an open passagewayfor fluid to travel between container chamber 122 and the externalatmosphere. When first container outlet valve 124 is in the closedposition, fluid is blocked from exiting container chamber 122 via firstcontainer outlet valve 124.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, container 102 also hascontainer inlet valve 126 in shell 120. Optionally, container inletvalve 126 is located in base 114. Container inlet valve 126 has a closedposition and an open position. When container inlet valve 126 is open,it provides an open passageway for fluid to travel between containerchamber 122 and the external atmosphere. When container inlet valve 126is closed, fluid is blocked from exiting container chamber 122 viacontainer inlet valve 126.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, when container 102 is engaged withcarbonator 104, first container outlet valve 124 and container inletvalve 126 may be opened to allow fluid to pass between container 102 andcarbonator 104. When container 102 is disengaged from carbonator 104,first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 areclosed to fluidly seal container 102 containing carbonated liquid (notshown in FIG. 1). The terminology of container “outlet” and “inlet”valves used throughout this disclosure refer to the flow direction offluid relative to the container (exemplified as container 102 in FIG.1). A container “outlet valve” is applicable to fluid flow out of thecontainer. Conversely, a container “inlet valve” is applicable to fluidflow into the container.

First container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 may beconfigured (e.g. biased by a spring or otherwise) to seal automaticallyon or prior to the release of container 102 from carbonator 104. Forexample, first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126may be, as non-limiting examples, a mechanical spring valve or a checkvalve. First container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126may be one-way valves. When open, first container outlet valve 124 mayonly allow fluid to flow out of container chamber 122. When open,container inlet valve 126 may only allow fluid to flow into containerchamber 122. More specifically, first container outlet valve 124 andcontainer inlet valve 126 may be a ball check valve, a stop check valve,a lift check valve, or a duckbill valve.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, carbonator 104 has a firstcarbonator outlet port 128. First carbonator outlet port 128 is fluidlyengageable with first container outlet valve 124 when first containeroutlet valve 124 is in the open position. When first carbonator outletport 128 is fluidly engaged with first container outlet valve 124, thefirst carbonator outlet port and the first container outlet valve are,directly or indirectly, fluidly coupled to one another. When the firstcontainer outlet valve 124 is open and fluidly engages first carbonatoroutlet port 128, fluid is able to flow through first container outletvalve 124 and first carbonator outlet port 128. In this manner, fluidpasses between container chamber 122 and carbonator 104.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, carbonator 104 also has acarbonator inlet port 130. Carbonator inlet port 130 is fluidlyengageable with container inlet valve 126 when container inlet valve 126is in the open position. When carbonator inlet port 130 is fluidlyengaged with container inlet valve 126, the carbonator inlet port 130and container inlet valve 126 are, directly or indirectly, fluidlycoupled to one another. When the container inlet valve 126 is open andfluidly engages carbonator inlet port 130, fluid is able to flow throughcontainer inlet valve 126 and carbonator inlet port 130. In this manner,fluid passes between carbonator 104 and container chamber 122. Theterminology of carbonator “outlet” and “inlet” ports used throughoutthis disclosure refer to the flow direction of fluid relative to thecontainer (exemplified as container 102 in FIG. 1). An “outlet port” ofthe carbonator (exemplified as first carbonator outlet port 128 ofcarbonator 104 in FIG. 1) engages an outlet valve of the container(exemplified as first outlet valve 124 of container 102 in FIG. 1) andrepresents a carbonator port that provides fluid flow out of thecontainer. Conversely, an “inlet port” of the carbonator (exemplified ascarbonator inlet port 130 of carbonator 104 in FIG. 1) engages an inletvalve of the container (exemplified as inlet valve 126 of container 102in FIG. 1) and represents a carbonator port that provides fluid flowinto the container.

Optionally, first carbonator outlet port 128 and carbonator inlet port130 are located in cavity 112 of carbonator 104.

FIG. 2 shows an example first container outlet valve 124, in the form ofa mechanical spring valve. In the example shown, first container outletvalve 124 comprises a housing 132, spring 134, shaft 136, cap 138 andseals 140. First carbonator outlet port 128 of carbonator 104 (seeFIG. 1) is receivable by housing 132, which has a hollow cylindricalshape. Seals 140 are located between shaft 136 and housing 132. Spring134 is coupled to the top of housing 132 and the bottom of shaft 136 tobias cap 138 toward a closed position against the top of housing 132.FIG. 2 shows first container outlet valve 124 in the closed position.

As exemplified in FIG. 3, when first carbonator outlet port 128 isreceived by housing 132, it displaces shaft 136 such that seals 140become wedged between first carbonator port 128 and housing 132. In thismanner, a fluid tight seal may be provided by seals 140. When firstcarbonator outlet port 128 is received inside housing 132, it pushesshaft 136 out of housing 132, moving cap 138 away from the top ofhousing 132. When shaft 136 is pushed by first carbonator outlet port128, spring 134 compresses to accommodate the movement of shaft 136. Thegap created between cap 138 and the top of housing 132 provides an openpassage (i.e. the valve is open). When open, first container outletvalve 124 permits fluid to pass from container chamber 122 intocarbonator 104 (see FIG. 1) via first carbonator outlet port 128.Conversely, when first carbonator outlet port 128 is withdrawn fromhousing 132, cap 138 seats onto and seals the top of housing 132 underthe bias of spring 134, thereby closing first container outlet valve124.

Typically, container inlet valve 126 is a one-way valve that, when open,allows fluid to flow into container chamber 122, but not out ofcontainer chamber 122. More specifically, container inlet valve 126 maybe a check valve that is biased closed (by a spring, for example) andconfigured to open when the net fluid pressure across the valve risesabove a threshold value. Alternatively, container inlet valve 126 may bea mechanical spring valve that operates in similar manner to the firstcontainer outlet valve 124 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 4 exemplifies container 102 engaged with carbonator 104. Container102 may be received in a cavity 112. When container 102 engagescarbonator 104, this fluidly engages first container outlet valve 124with first carbonator outlet port 128 and container inlet valve 126 withcarbonator inlet port 130.

Referring now to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, carbonator 104may have a start actuator 151 and stop actuator 152, which areoptionally in the form of depressible buttons connected to a controller153. Activation of start actuator 151 or stop actuator 152 sends acorresponding signal to controller 153 to perform the desired operation.Controller 153 may comprise any logic board suitably configured tocontrol the operation of carbonator 104.

Start actuator 151 may be activated after the container 102 andcarbonator 104 are engaged. In some embodiments, activation of startactuator 151 opens first container outlet valve 124 and container inletvalve 126. In some embodiments, activation of start actuator 151temporarily locks container 102 and carbonator 104 into engagement withone another. In some embodiments, activation of start actuator 151simultaneously opens the container valves and temporarily lockscontainer 102 to carbonator 104.

Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, activation of startactuator 151 sends a corresponding signal to controller 153 to activateat least pump 150.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, when closure 110 removed from mouth 108,liquid 106 may be introduced into container chamber 122 through mouth108. FIG. 1 illustrates liquid 106 inside container chamber 122. In someembodiments, a user may manually fill container chamber 122 (e.g. bypouring a liquid into mouth 108). In variant embodiments, beveragecarbonation system 100 may comprise a source of liquid (not shown),which introduces liquid into container 102. For example, system 100 maycomprise plumbing fluidly connected with a municipal water supply.

After liquid 106 is introduced into container chamber 122, closure 110may be secured to mouth 108 of container 102 to seal mouth 108. Liquid106 may be added before container 102 is engaged with carbonator 104 (asshown in FIG. 1) or after container 102 is engaged with carbonator 104(as shown in FIG. 5).

Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, carbonator 104 hascarbonation chamber 142. Optionally, carbonation chamber 142 isintegrally formed in carbonator 104. Carbonation chamber 142 contains acarbon dioxide source 144. Optionally, carbonation chamber 142 has anaccess hatch 146 for introducing carbon dioxide source 144 intocarbonation chamber 142. Carbon dioxide cartridge source 144 is reactivewith liquid 106 to produce carbon dioxide gas 148 when the liquidcontacts carbon dioxide source 144. Optionally, carbon dioxide source144 is a solid material that is chemically reactive with liquid 106 toemit carbon dioxide gas 148 when the liquid contacts the solid material.Examples of liquid 106 include, but are not limited to, water, juice,coffee, tea and alcohol. Carbon dioxide source 144 may be, for example,an acid mixed with a carbonate, in wet or dry form, combined or separateuntil required. In some cases, a solid material carbon dioxide source144 is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, and liquid 106is water. More specifically, the solid material may be a dry solidmaterial, such as a powder. Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid areadvantageous for use with water because when they react with water theydo not create heat during the reaction. This is desirable for producinga cooled carbonated beverage. In some cases, dry citric acid and sodiumbicarbonate have some benefits, including for example, being relativelyinexpensive, non-toxic, relatively easy to handle and/or capable ofpre-mixing.

As shown in FIG. 5, first carbonator outlet port 128 is fluidlyconnected to carbonation chamber 142 containing carbon dioxide source144 that produces carbon dioxide gas 148. Carbonator inlet port 130 isfluidly connected to carbonation chamber 142.

When first container outlet valve 124 is open and fluidly engages firstcarbonator outlet port 128, liquid 106 flows from container chamber 122into carbonation chamber 142 to interact with the carbon dioxide source144 to form carbon dioxide gas 148 in carbonation chamber 142.

When container inlet valve 126 is open and fluidly engages carbonatorinlet port 130, carbon dioxide gas 148 flows from carbonation chamber142 to container chamber 122 to mix with liquid 106 in container chamber122 to form a carbonated liquid 154 in container chamber 122.

Carbonator 104 comprises at least one pump 150 in fluid communicationwith container chamber 122 and carbonation chamber 142. At least onepump 150 transfers liquid 106 between container chamber 122 andcarbonation chamber 142 when container 102 is engaged with carbonator104. At least one pump 150 also transfers carbon dioxide gas 148 betweencarbonation chamber 142 and container chamber 122 when container 102 isengaged with carbonator 104, thereby carbonating liquid 106.

Optionally, carbonator 104 has one pump 150. In this case, pump 150pumps liquid 106 from first carbonator outlet port 128 to pump 150 vialine 155, then from pump 150 to carbonation chamber 142 via line 156.Pump 150 then pumps carbon dioxide gas 148 from carbonation chamber 142to carbonator inlet port 130 via line 157. Alternatively, multiple pumps150 may be employed (not shown). As referred to throughout thisdisclosure, a pump (exemplified as pump 150) is any mechanism capable offacilitating fluid flow through the system. Pump 150 may be, but is notnecessarily limited to, an electrical pump. The pump may include, asnon-limiting examples, a mechanism that facilitates fluid flow usingdifferential pressure, negative pressure, gravity, or a combinationthereof.

As shown in FIG. 5, beverage carbonation system 100 may have carbonationtube 158. Carbonation tube 158 is fluidly connected to first containeroutlet valve 124 and extends inwardly into container chamber 122.Optionally, carbonation tube 158 is in the shape of a straw, and extendsvertically upwardly into container chamber 122 from base 114. Tocarbonate liquid 106, a portion of liquid 106 enters a first end 160 ofcarbonation tube 158. Optionally, first end 160 is the top end ofcarbonation tube 158. Optionally, second end 161 of carbonation tube isconnected to first container outlet valve 124.

As exemplified in FIG. 5, in some cases, it may be desirable to limitthe quantity of liquid that is drawn into carbonation chamber 142. Whenpump 150 is activated, a portion of liquid 106 is drawn through firstend 160 of carbonation tube 158 and drawn to first container outletvalve 124. As this process continues, the level of liquid 106 inside thecontainer chamber 122 falls. At a certain point, the liquid becomeslevel with first end 160 of carbonation tube 158. When the level ofliquid 106 is at or below first end 160 of carbonation tube 158, no moreliquid is drawn through carbonation tube 158. Accordingly, the height ofcarbonation tube 158 limits the amount of liquid 106 that may be drawninto the carbonation chamber 142 of carbonator 104. More specifically,the maximum volume of liquid 106 that may be drawn into the containerchamber 122 may be equal to the volume of container chamber 122 situatedat an elevation above first end 160 of carbonation tube 158. In somecases, it takes approximately 10 seconds to lower the level of liquid106 to first end 160 of carbonation tube 158. In some embodiments, asthe level of liquid 106 is lowered, liquid 106 is pumped intocarbonation chamber 122 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds.

In some embodiments, shell 120 of container 102 may comprise a fill line162. Fill line 162 may correspond to an ideal level of liquid 106. Whenthe liquid is filled to fill line 162, there may be an ideal volume ofliquid 106 located at an elevation above first end 160 of carbonationtube 158. The ideal volume of liquid 106 may correspond with thespecific quantity of liquid required to mix with carbon dioxide source144 to produce carbon dioxide gas 148 at a rate sufficient to carbonatethe liquid 106 inside container chamber 122. Optionally, fill line 162corresponds to a volume of between 5% and 20%, of the total liquid 106volume prior to commencement of the carbonation process. As one example,the total volume of liquid 106 in container chamber 122 may be 1000 mLand the volume between fill line 162 and first end 160 may beapproximately 50 mL to 200 mL of liquid prior to commencement of thecarbonation process.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, carbonation tube 158 isconfigured to receive carbon dioxide gas 148 from container chamber 122for recirculation between first container outlet valve 124 and containerinlet valve 126. Once the level of liquid falls at or below first end160 of carbonation tube 158, no more liquid enters the carbonation tube.However, as the process continues, some carbon dioxide gas 148 injectedinto container chamber 122 from carbonation chamber 142 passes throughthe liquid in container chamber 122 and into headspace 163.Recirculating gas from headspace 163 permits carbon dioxide gas thatpassed through liquid 106, but did not diffuse into the liquid, todiffuse back into liquid 106. This reduces the time required to reach adesirable level of beverage carbonation because the recycled carbondioxide gas is forced through the liquid at a faster rate than if itwere to passively dissolve from headspace 163 into liquid 106.

Optionally, pump 150 is a liquid-gas pump that can pump liquid 106 fromcontainer chamber 122, through carbonation chamber 142, and back tocontainer chamber 122, and can also pump carbon dioxide gas along asimilar flow path. Alternatively, one gas pump and one liquid pump maybe used.

In some embodiments, a diffuser 164 may be fluidly connected tocontainer inlet valve 126. In the example shown in FIG. 5, diffuser 164comprises a nozzle that can accelerate fluid passing through it toproduce a jet. This facilitates the diffusion of carbon dioxide gas 148into liquid 106 to carbonate liquid 106 at a faster rate. Diffuser 164may help to send carbonated liquid 154 away from container inlet valve126 at such a rate that liquid 106 is agitated and increases the surfacearea of the liquid that is in contact with the carbon dioxide. In thismanner, diffuser 164 may be used to increase the rate at whichsufficient carbonation of liquid 106 is achieved.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 5, once the beverage has been carbonated tothe desired extent, the user may activate stop actuator 152 to shutdownpump 150. Activation of stop actuator 152 sends a corresponding signalto controller 153 to perform the desired operation. Shutting down pump150 stops the carbonation process described above. Conversely, pump 150may automatically shut down when a sensor 165 indicates to thecontroller 153 that a sufficient level of pressure has been achieved incontainer chamber 122 to indicate a satisfactory level of beveragecarbonation. Sensor 165 may be mounted to carbonator inlet port 130. Insome embodiments, pump 150 shuts down after the pressure within thesystem (equalized across carbonator 104 and container 102) reachesapproximately 50 to 80 psi. Alternatively, pump 150 may be shut downafter a pre-programmed time period. Optionally, the liquid 106 cyclesthrough the carbonation process for approximately 30 to 120 seconds.However, the appropriate time duration varies with the volume of liquid106 to be carbonated. Activation of stop actuator 152 may close firstcontainer outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 prior tocontainer 102 being disengaged from carbonator 104. Activation of stopactuator 152 may unlock container 102 and carbonator 104 out ofengagement with one another. For example, activation of stop actuator152 may unlock latches 118 from recesses 116. Activation of stopactuator 152 may cause one or more of the operations outlined above tooccur. Conversely, a stop actuator 152 is not required when the aboveoutlined operations occur automatically. When these operations occurautomatically, an indicator (such as a light, for example, not shown)may illuminate to let the user know that carbonation has completed andthat the container 102 may be disengaged from carbonator 104.Alternatively, container 102 may be unlocked with a manual latch by theuser after a timed cycle is complete.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 5, during the carbonation process, liquid106 in container chamber 122 is at least partially replaced by acarbonated liquid 154. When carbonated liquid 154 is formed in containerchamber 122, an elevated pressure occurs in container chamber 122. Asdiscussed above with reference to the example embodiment shown in FIG.1, when container 102 is disengaged from carbonator 104, first containeroutlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 close to seal containerchamber 122. In this manner, during disengagement of container 102 andcarbonator 104, the elevated pressure is substantially maintained in thecontainer chamber. In some cases, a pressure of approximately 50 to 80psi is maintained in container chamber 122 following the disengagementof container 102 and carbonator 104. This is advantageous because theuser can store the container (in a refrigerator or on a counter, forexample) for later consumption. The closed container valves allow thecontainer to remain sealed, to minimize carbonation losses to theexternal atmosphere. This prevents the carbonated beverage from going“flat” during storage, and preserves the carbonated taste for laterconsumption.

A further embodiment of the invention consists of container 102 formaking a carbonated beverage, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 5and further shown in FIG. 6. Container 102 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 isremovably engageable with a carbonator (such as carbonator 104 shown inFIG. 5, for example).

Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, first containeroutlet valve 124 is fluidly engageable with first carbonator outlet port128 when first container outlet valve 124 is in the open position.Container inlet valve 126 is fluidly engageable with carbonator inletport 130 when container inlet valve 126 is in the open position.Container chamber 122 is engageable with at least one pump 150 in fluidcommunication with carbonation chamber 142 to transfer liquid 106between container 102 and carbonation chamber 142 and transfer carbondioxide gas 148 between carbonation chamber 142 and the containerchamber 122 when container 102 is engaged with carbonator 104, therebycarbonating liquid 106. When container 102 is disengaged from carbonator104 (as exemplified in FIG. 1), first container outlet valve 124 andcontainer inlet valve 126 are closed to fluidly seal container 102containing carbonated liquid 154. In this manner, the carbonated liquidsubstantially maintains its carbonation level for later consumption.

A further embodiment of the invention consists of carbonator 104 formaking a carbonated beverage, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 5and exemplified in FIG. 7. The carbonator is removably engageable with acontainer (such as container 102 shown in FIG. 5, for example).Carbonator 104 has at least one pump in fluid communication withcarbonation chamber 142 and is fluidly engageable with container chamber122. Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, when container102 is disengaged from carbonator 104, first container outlet valve 124and container inlet valve 126 are closed to fluidly seal container 102containing the carbonated liquid.

Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, for liquid 106 tobe carbonated, a carbon dioxide source 144 is present in carbonationchamber 142. An example structure and process related to providingcarbon dioxide source 144 in carbonation chamber 142 will now bediscussed in detail.

As exemplified in FIG. 5, beverage carbonation system 100 may comprise acarbon dioxide cartridge 166 for containing carbon dioxide source 144.As exemplified in FIG. 5, carbonator 104 has a cartridge holder 167 forreceiving at least a portion of carbon dioxide cartridge 166.Optionally, as shown in FIG. 5, carbon dioxide cartridge 166 is insertedinto cartridge holder 167 so that a portion of carbon dioxide cartridge166 remains exposed. In this manner, the user can grasp a portion ofcarbon dioxide cartridge 166 to remove the carbon dioxide cartridge fromcarbonator 104. Alternatively, carbon dioxide cartridge 166 may be fullyinserted into carbonator 104. In this case, carbon dioxide cartridge maybe accessible directly or by an opening mechanism (such a hinged orsliding cover, for example, not shown).

For greater clarity, FIG. 8 exemplifies carbonation chamber 142 andcarbon dioxide cartridge 166 in the absence of cartridge holder 167.Optionally, carbon dioxide cartridge 166 comprises a hollow housing 168for storing carbon dioxide source 144 therein. More specifically, hollowhousing 168 of carbon dioxide cartridge 166 may seal the carbon dioxidesource 144 therein so that the user cannot access the carbon dioxidesource prior to its insertion into carbonator 104. Sealing carbondioxide source 144 inside carbon dioxide cartridge 166 may offer theadvantages of maintaining source purity, keeping carbon dioxide source144 dry until needed and ensuring the right quantity of carbon dioxidesource 144 is used in the reaction. Hollow housing 168 may have apierceable portion 169. Optionally, pierceable portion 169 runs along abottom surface of hollow housing 168. More specifically, pierceableportion 169 may be made of aluminum foil, while the remainder of hollowhousing 186 may be made of plastic.

As described above, with reference to FIG. 5, liquid 106 contacts carbondioxide source 144 in carbonation chamber 142. In some embodiments,carbonator 104 has transfer mechanism 170 (as exemplified in FIG. 8) fortransferring carbon dioxide source 144 from carbon dioxide cartridge 166to carbonation chamber 142. Carbonation chamber 142 may be integrallyformed in carbonator 104. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8,transfer mechanism 170 comprises at least one cutter 170 a configured tocut away at least a portion of the carbon dioxide cartridge 166 when thecarbon dioxide cartridge 166 is inserted into carbonator 104 to releasethe carbon dioxide source 144 from the carbon dioxide cartridge 166 intocarbonation chamber 142.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, cutter 170 a may sit on topsurface 171 of carbonation chamber 142. As illustrated, cutter 170 a maybe a pyramid shaped metal wire that converges at a sharp apex 172.Optionally, cutter 170 a is recessed into cartridge holder 167 (see FIG.5, not shown in FIG. 8) to minimize the risk that cutter 170 a injuresthe user's hand when carbon dioxide cartridge 166 is placed intocartridge holder 167. As exemplified, top surface 171 of carbonationchamber 142 has an access hatch 146 that falls downwardly when the userpulls lever 173. Access hatch 146 is illustrated as a hinged door, butit may also be a sliding door, for example

FIG. 8 exemplifies access hatch 146 in the closed position. FIG. 9exemplifies access hatch 146 in the open position, after the user haspulled lever 173. In the alternative, a depressible button may be usedto open access hatch 146. As exemplified in FIG. 9, when the useradvances carbon dioxide cartridge 166 into cartridge holder 167 (seeFIG. 5, not shown in FIG. 9), pierceable portion 169 comes into contactwith apex 172 of cutter 170 a, and is pierced or punctured to create anopening in carbon dioxide cartridge 166.

Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 9, once cutter 170 acreates an opening in hollow housing 168 of carbon dioxide cartridge166, carbon dioxide source 144 is transferred from carbon dioxidecartridge 166 to carbonation chamber 142. Optionally, carbonationchamber 142 is located below cartridge holder 167, and transfermechanism 170 is configured to create an opening in the bottom of hollowhousing 168. In this case, once hollow housing 168 is opened, carbondioxide source 144 falls from carbon dioxide cartridge 166 intocarbonation chamber 142. Alternatively, cartridge holder 167 is notnecessarily located above carbonation chamber 142. In this case, anegative pressure pump (not shown) may be used to draw the carbondioxide source 144 from carbon dioxide cartridge 166 into carbonationchamber 142.

Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 9, after carbondioxide source 144 moves into carbonation chamber 142, the lever may bereturned to its original position to close access hatch 146. Once accesshatch 146 has closed, the carbonation process may be commenced. In turn,the carbon dioxide source 144 reacts with the liquid in carbonationchamber 142 to form the carbon dioxide gas therein, which then travelsto container chamber 122 (see FIG. 5).

An alternative transfer mechanism 170 is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.FIG. 10 shows access hatch 146 and cutter 170 a as discussed above.However, in this embodiment, a moveable shaft 174 is biased away fromaccess hatch 146 by spring 175. Moveable shaft 174 has recesses 176therein for accommodating cutter 170 a. In the embodiment shown in FIG.11, when the user places carbon dioxide cartridge 166 into cartridgeholder 167 (FIG. 5), carbon dioxide cartridge 166 pushes moveable shaft174 against access hatch 146 to push access hatch 146 into carbonationchamber 142. Once carbonation chamber 142 is open, carbon dioxide source144 is transferred to carbonation chamber 142 (by gravity or a pressuredifferential, for example).

When the user removes carbon dioxide cartridge 166 from cartridge holder167, spring 175 biases moveable shaft 174 to its initial position,thereby allowing access hatch 146 to move to a closed position.Alternatively, the process of lifting moveable shaft 174 may be startedautomatically my opening a latch that otherwise holds moveable shaft 174down. Optionally, access hatch 146 is spring-loaded (not shown), andthereby biased to the closed position. Once access hatch 146 has closed,the carbonation process may begin.

Although transfer mechanism 170 has been explained as comprising atleast one cutter 170 a, transfer mechanism 170 may operate without acutter. As one example, negative pressure may be used to tear away aperforated portion of carbon dioxide cartridge 166, to access carbondioxide source 144 therein.

For the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, when at least a portion ofcarbon dioxide cartridge 166 is inserted into carbonator 104, carbondioxide cartridge 166 is optionally removed from carbonator 104 after asingle carbonation process has been completed, as discussed above.Optionally, carbon dioxide cartridge 166 is disposable, and may bediscarded into the trash or recycled after use.

In an alternative embodiment, carbon dioxide cartridge 166 may bemanually openable by the user. It may be similar to a coffee creamerpack, for example, as is known in the art to have a peel-off lid.Referring to FIG. 1, in this case, the user may open the carbon dioxidecartridge 166 outside of the carbonator 104 and pour the carbon dioxidesource 144 (shown in FIG. 8) from the cartridge into carbonation chamber142, without inserting any portion of carbon dioxide cartridge 166 intocarbonator 104.

In some embodiments, carbonator 104 has a waste reservoir 177 (see FIG.1). Some particular liquids and carbon dioxide sources react with oneanother to produce residual waste products. For example, tap water willreact with a mixture of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate to producesome solid residual waste product, such as, for example, sodium citrate.As illustrated in FIG. 1, waste reservoir 177 may be located incarbonator 104 outside carbonation chamber 142. Waste reservoir 177 isat least partially removable from a remaining portion of carbonator 104(i.e. the portion of carbonator remaining after waste reservoir 177 isremoved). Waste reservoir 177 may be a container that is removable fromthe remainder of carbonator 104, as shown in FIG. 1. In someembodiments, waste reservoir is a sliding tray the user can pull atleast partially out of carbonator 104 to access a waste product therein(not shown).

In one embodiment, waste reservoir 177 may be removed from carbonator104 and rinsed or dumped into the trash, then reinserted into carbonator104 for reuse. Typically, the user should clean and/or empty wastereservoir 177 after approximately every 5 to 10 carbonation cycles. Inmore specific embodiments, waste reservoir 177 may be cleaned and/oremptied after approximately 5 cycles. In some embodiments, the wastereservoir 117 may be configured to be cleaned out and/or emptied afterevery carbonation cycle. However, this will vary with the volume ofliquid being carbonated per cycle, and the type of liquid and carbondioxide source used.

Another exemplary beverage carbonation system is shown in FIG. 12. FIG.12 illustrates another example beverage carbonation system 200. It willbe appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elementsof beverage carbonation system 200 corresponding or analogous toelements of beverage carbonation system 100 are labeled with the samereference numerals as for beverage carbonation system 100 (plus 100).For brevity, the description of corresponding or analogous elements isnot repeated.

Referring to FIG. 12, a waste valve 299 may be located in a wall ofcarbonation chamber 242 that is openable to release a waste product (notshown) from the carbonation chamber into waste reservoir 277. Wastevalve 299 may be a directional control valve. More specifically, wastevalve 299 may be an electrically controlled hydraulic directionalcontrol valve, such as, for example a solenoid valve. Alternatively,waste valve 299 may be a diaphragm valve or a pinch valve. Optionally,waste reservoir 277 is located below carbonation chamber 242 and wastevalve 299 is located in a bottom wall of carbonation chamber 142. Inthis configuration (not shown), the waste product may be gravity and/orpressure fed into waste reservoir 277. In some embodiments, the wasteproduct may be pumped out of carbonation chamber 242 through a wall thatmay or may not be a bottom wall of carbonation chamber 242, as will bediscussed in more detail below.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, beverage carbonation system 200 haswaste evacuation system 278. Waste evacuation system 278 facilitates theremoval of waste products from carbonation chamber 242. In some cases,waste evacuation system 278 removes the waste product (not shown) andsome pressure from carbonation chamber 242, while substantiallymaintaining the pressure in container chamber 222.

As exemplified in FIG. 12, evacuation inlet 279 receives external airfrom the atmosphere. Pump 250 may draw the external air into evacuationinlet 279. Pump 250 then forces the external air through lines 280 and256. In turn, the external air passes through carbonation chamber 242,then out of the remainder of carbonator 204 through evacuation outlet281. In some embodiments external air is pumped through waste evacuationsystem 278 for approximately 15 seconds. In some embodiments, externalair is pumped through waste evacuation system 278 for approximately 5 to15 seconds. When the external air is forced through carbonation chamber242, it dislodges residual waste (not shown) from the walls ofcarbonation chamber 242. Once the residual waste has been dislodged fromthe inside of the walls of carbonation chamber 242, it may fall (or bepumped) into waste reservoir 277 for removal by the user, as discussedabove.

FIG. 13 illustrates another example beverage carbonation system 300. Itwill be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements of beverage carbonation system 300 corresponding or analogousto elements of beverage carbonation system 100 are labeled with the samereference numerals as for beverage carbonation system 100 (plus 200).For brevity, the description of corresponding or analogous elements isnot repeated.

In this embodiment shown in FIG. 13, beverage carbonation system 300 hasa flavor source 382 located in a flavor chamber 383. Flavor chamber 383may be integrally formed in carbonator 304. Flavor source 382 may be,for example, flavor crystals, coffee grinds, instant coffee, syrup,minerals, concentrated juice, honey or any other beverage additive.Optionally, the flavor source 382 alters the taste of liquid 306. Flavorsource 382 is in fluid communication with container chamber 322 to mixwith liquid 306 to create flavored beverage in container chamber 322.

Waste evacuation system 278 has been described above with reference toFIG. 12 for removing residual waste (not shown) from carbonation chamber242. Notably, waste evacuation system 278 may be used in a similarmanner to remove a left-over flavor source 382 from flavor chamber 383(see FIG. 13).

For the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the flavoring process maystart before, during or after the carbonation process outlined above. Itwill be appreciated that if the flavoring process starts before thecarbonation process, the liquid 306 that mixes with the flavor source isthe original, uncarbonated liquid 306. However, if the flavoring processstarts after the carbonation process, the liquid that mixes with theflavor source is at least partially carbonated. In some embodiments, theflavoring cycle takes approximately 15 seconds.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, container 302 has a second containeroutlet valve 384 in shell 320 having a closed position and an openposition. Carbonator 304 has a second carbonator outlet port 385 fluidlyengageable with second container outlet valve 384 when second containeroutlet valve 384 is in the open position. When container 302 isdisengaged from carbonator 304, second container outlet valve 384 isclosed to fluidly seal container 302 containing the flavored liquid.

Continuing to refer to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 13, secondcarbonator outlet port 385 and carbonator inlet port 330 are fluidlyconnected to flavor chamber 383 containing flavor source 382 thatproduces a flavored liquid. At least one pump 350 is in fluidcommunication with container chamber 322 and flavor chamber 383 tocirculate liquid 306 between container chamber 322 and flavor chamber383 when container 302 is engaged with carbonator 304, thereby flavoringliquid 306. Liquid 306 flows from container chamber 322 into flavorchamber 383 to interact with flavor source 382 to form a flavored liquidin the flavor chamber 383. Pump 350 pumps liquid 306 along line 386 fromsecond carbonator outlet port 385 to pump 350, then from pump 350 toflavor chamber 383 along line 356 then line 386. Pump 350 then pumpsflavored liquid from flavor chamber 383 to carbonator inlet port 330 vialine 387.

In some embodiments, pump 350 may pump fluid through the flavor cycle,while another pump (not shown) pumps fluid through the carbonationcycle. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 12, one pump 350 moves fluid throughboth the carbonation cycle and the flavor cycle. In this case, amanifold 388 having a carbonation solenoid valve 389 and a flavorsolenoid valve 390 is used. In this case, a first carbonator valve 391and a second carbonator valve 392 may also be used.

In one embodiment having only one pump 350 (as exemplified in FIG. 13),during the carbonation process, first carbonator valve 391 andcarbonation solenoid valve 389 are opened. Liquid 306 then flowssequentially through first container outlet valve 324, first carbonatoroutlet port 328, first carbonator valve 391, line 355, pump 350, line356, carbonation solenoid valve 389, line 356, carbonation chamber 342,line 357, carbonator inlet port 330, container inlet valve 326 and intocontainer chamber 322.

In this embodiment shown in FIG. 13 having only one pump 350, during theflavoring process, second carbonator valve 392 and flavor solenoid valve390 are opened. Liquid 306 then flows sequentially through secondcontainer outlet valve 384, second carbonator outlet port 385, line 386,pump 350, line 356, flavor solenoid valve 390, line 386, flavor chamber383, line 387, carbonator inlet port 330, container inlet valve 326 andinto container chamber 322.

Typically, the carbonation process and flavoring process occur atdifferent times for the embodiment shown in FIG. 13. In this case, whenfirst carbonator valve 391 and carbonation solenoid valve 389 are opento facilitate carbonation, second carbonator valve 392 and flavorsolenoid valve 390 are closed to block the flavoring process. Similarly,when second carbonator valve 392 and flavor solenoid valve 390 are opento facilitate flavoring, first carbonator valve 391 and carbonationsolenoid valve 389 are closed to block carbonation. Optionally, when theflavoring process is occurring, carbon dioxide gas may be movingpassively (without the aid of pump 350) from high pressure carbonationchamber 342 via line 357 to container chamber 322.

Continuing to refer to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 13, firstcarbonator valve 391 and second carbonator valve 392 may be any suitabletypes of valves, including, but limited to, directional control valves,diaphragm valves, or pinch valves. Controller 363 may be configured toopen and close the carbonator and solenoid valves.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, first container outlet valve 324 andsecond container outlet valve 384 are shown as two separate outlets.Alternatively, the first container outlet valve 324 and the secondcontainer outlet valve 384 may be the same container outlet. In otherwords, liquid 306 may pass through the same container outlet to beflavored and, at a different point in time, to facilitate carbonation.For example, liquid 306 may pass through first container outlet valve324 to be flavored, and then pass through first container outlet valve324 to facilitate carbonation, in the absence of a separate secondcontainer outlet valve 384. In this case, if carbonation tube 358 ispresent, the volume of water above first end 160 of carbonation tube 358should be sufficient for carbonation and flavoring purposes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a single container inlet valve 326and single carbonator inlet port 330 are present. In this case, thecarbon dioxide gas and the flavored liquid enter container chamber 322via the same container inlet valve 326 and carbonator inlet port 330.Alternatively, a second container inlet valve and a second carbonatorinlet port (not shown) may be present so that the carbon dioxide gas andthe flavored liquid enter container chamber 322 via different containerinlet valve/carbonator inlet port.

For liquid 306 to be flavored, a flavor source 382 is present in flavorchamber 383. An example structure and process for providing flavorsource 382 into flavor chamber 383 will now be discussed.

In some embodiments, beverage carbonation system 300 has a flavorcartridge 393 for containing flavor source 382. An example flavorcartridge is shown in FIG. 14. Carbonator 304 may have a cartridgeholder 367 therein (see FIG. 13) for receiving at least a portion offlavor cartridge 393, shown in FIG. 14. Flavor cartridge 393 may besimilar in structure and operation as the carbon dioxide cartridge 166illustrated in FIG. 8. It will be appreciated that for simplicity andclarity of illustration, elements of carbon dioxide cartridge 166corresponding or analogous to elements of flavor cartridge 393 arelabeled with the same reference numerals as for carbon dioxide cartridge166 (plus 200). For brevity, the description of corresponding oranalogous elements is not repeated.

A transfer mechanism, similar in structure and operation to transfermechanism 170 outlined above with respect to either of the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 8-9 and FIGS. 10-11 may be used to release the flavorsource 382 from flavor cartridge 393 (FIG. 14) into flavor chamber 383(FIG. 13).

In an alternative embodiment, flavor cartridge may be manually openableby the user. It may be similar to a coffee creamer pack, for example, asis known in the art to have a peel-off lid. In this case, the user mayopen the flavor cartridge 393 (shown in FIG. 14) outside of thecarbonator 104 and pour the flavor source 382 from the cartridge intothe flavor chamber 383 (shown in FIG. 13), without inserting any portionof flavor cartridge 393 into carbonator 304.

FIG. 15 shows an alternative embodiment for the carbon dioxide andflavor cartridges. FIG. 15 provides an example embodiment of acombination cartridge 394 having a carbon dioxide portion 395 forcontaining carbon dioxide source 344. Combination cartridge 394, asexemplified in FIG. 15, also has a flavor portion 396 for containingflavor source 382. The beverage carbonation system may comprise at leastone cartridge holder 367 (see FIG. 13) for receiving at least a portionof carbon dioxide portion 395 and flavor portion 396.

Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 13, when combinationcartridge 394 is present, beverage carbonation system 300 has at leastone transfer mechanism (not shown) for transferring flavor source 382from flavor portion 396 to flavor chamber 383 and carbon dioxide source344 from carbon dioxide portion 395 to carbonation chamber 342. The atleast one transfer mechanism may be similar in structure and operationto transfer mechanism 170 outlined above with respect to either of theembodiments shown in FIGS. 8-9 and FIGS. 10-11. There may be acorresponding transfer mechanism for each of the carbon dioxide portion395 and flavor portion 396, or a single transfer mechanism for both.

As exemplified in FIG. 13, carbon dioxide portion 395 and flavor portion396 may be coupled to one another. In some cases, this coupling allowsfor simultaneous insertion into at least one cartridge holder 367. Itmay be more convenient for the user to insert one cartridge body intothe carbonator, instead of two separate cartridges. Carbon dioxideportion 395 and flavor portion 396 may be formed as one cartridge havinga wall or partial gap therebetween. Optionally, combination cartridge394 is removable from carbonator 304. When the cartridge portions arecoupled together, it is easier for the user to remove and dispose of onecartridge body rather than two unconnected cartridges.

A further embodiment of the invention consists of container 302 formaking a carbonated beverage, as illustrated in FIG. 16.

Container 302, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 13 andexemplified in FIG. 16 is removably engageable with a carbonator (suchas carbonator 304 shown in FIG. 13, for example). Second containeroutlet valve 384 exemplified in FIG. 16 is fluidly engageable withsecond carbonator outlet port 385 of carbonator 304 (FIG. 13) whensecond container outlet valve 384 is in the open position.

Continuing to refer to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 16,container chamber 322 is fluidly engageable with at least one pump 350in fluid communication with flavor chamber 383 (FIG. 13) to circulateliquid between container chamber 322 and flavor chamber 383 whencontainer 302 is engaged with carbonator 304 (FIG. 13), therebyflavoring the liquid.

When container 302, as exemplified in FIG. 16, is disengaged from acarbonator (see carbonator 304 in FIG. 13, for example), secondcontainer outlet valve 384 may be closed to fluidly seal container 302containing the flavored liquid.

A further embodiment of the invention consists of carbonator 304 formaking a carbonated beverage, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 13and exemplified in FIG. 17. Exemplary carbonator 304 has a flavorchamber 383 containing a flavor source 382 that produces a flavoredliquid. As exemplified in FIG. 17, second carbonator outlet port 385 isfluidly connected to flavor chamber 383. When container 302 isdisengaged from carbonator 304, second container outlet valve 384, alongwith first container outlet valve 324 and container inlet valve 384(FIG. 13), is closed to fluidly seal container 302 containing theflavored liquid.

Another example beverage carbonation system 400 is shown in FIG. 18. Itwill be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements of beverage carbonation system 400 corresponding or analogousto elements of beverage carbonation system 100 are labeled with the samereference numerals as for beverage carbonation system 100 (plus 300).For brevity, the description of corresponding or analogous elements isnot repeated.

In this embodiment shown in FIG. 18, beverage carbonation system 400 hasa removable filter (not shown) located in a filter chamber 497. Asexemplified in FIG. 18, filter chamber 497 in carbonator 404 contains aremovable filter (not shown) in fluid communication with containerchamber 422 to filter liquid 406. In some cases, the user needs toreplace the removable filter approximately every 50 filtration cycles.

The filtering process may start before or after the carbonation processoutlined above. It will be appreciated that if the filtration processstarts before the carbonation process, the liquid 406 that mixes withthe flavor source is the original, uncarbonated liquid 406. However, ifthe filtering process starts after the carbonation process, the liquidthat passes through the filter is at least partially carbonated.Preferably, liquid 106 is filtered before it is carbonated.Alternatively, the carbonated liquid can be subsequently filtered.However, it is preferred to run the carbonated liquid thorough thefilter at an elevated pressure. At lower pressures, the filter mayundesirably remove some carbonation from the carbonated liquid. In someembodiments, In some embodiments, the filtering process lasts forapproximately 20 to 60 seconds.

Typically, the filtering process occurs before any flavoring process.Otherwise, the filter may undesirably remove some of the flavor from anyflavored liquid.

The filtering process occurs when container 402 is engaged withcarbonator 404, as exemplified in FIG. 18. In the example embodimentshown in FIG. 18, when second container outlet valve 484 is open andfluidly engages second carbonator outlet port 485, liquid 406 flows fromcontainer chamber 422 into filter chamber 497 to pass through a filter(not shown) therein, to form a filtered liquid. The filter may be anactive carbon filter, for example. Alternatively, the filter (not shown)in filter chamber 497 may be a reverse osmosis filter, a ultra-violetfilter, or a membrane filter, for example.

As exemplified in FIG. 18, when container 402 and carbonator 404 areengaged with one another, container inlet valve 426 is fluidly coupledto carbonator inlet port 430 to receive the filtered liquid from filterchamber 497.

Continuing to refer to the example embodiment in FIG. 18, at least onepump 450 circulates liquid 406. Pump 450 may pump liquid 406sequentially through second container outlet valve 484, secondcarbonator outlet port 485, second carbonator valve 492, line 486, pump450, line 456, filter solenoid valve 498, line 499, filter chamber 497,line 499, carbonator inlet port 430, container inlet valve 426 and intocontainer chamber 422.

In some embodiments, pump 450 may pump fluid through the filter cycle,while another pump (not shown) pumps fluid through the carbonationcycle. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 15, one pump 450 pumps fluid throughboth the carbonation cycle and the filter cycle. In this case, amanifold 488 may be used.

Typically, the carbonation process and filtration process occur atdifferent times. In this case, referring to the example shown in FIG.18, when first carbonator valve 491 and carbonation solenoid valve 389are open to facilitate carbonation, second carbonator valve 492 andfilter solenoid valve 498 are closed to block the filtering process.Similarly, when second carbonator valve 492 and filter solenoid valve498 are open to facilitate flavoring, first carbonator valve 491 andcarbonation solenoid valve 489 are closed to block carbonation. Whilethe filtering is occurring, carbon dioxide gas may be passively moving(i.e. without the aid of pump 450) from high pressure chamber 442 vialine 457 to container chamber 422.

Referring to the example shown in FIG. 18, filter solenoid valve 498 maybe any suitable type of valve, including, but limited to, a directionalcontrol valve, diaphragm valve, or pinch valve. Controller 463 may beconfigured to open and close filter solenoid valve 498.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, first container outlet valve 424 andsecond container outlet valve 484 are shown as two separate outlets.Alternatively, the first container outlet valve 424 and the secondcontainer outlet valve 484 may be the same container outlet. In otherwords, liquid 406 may pass through the same container outlet to befiltered and, at a different point in time, to facilitate carbonation.For example, liquid 406 may pass through first container outlet valve424 to be filtered, then pass through first container outlet valve 424to be carbonated, in the absence of a separate second container outletvalve 484. In this case, if carbonation tube 458 is present, the volumeof water above first end 460 of carbonation tube 458 should besufficient for filtering and carbonation.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, a single container inlet valve 426and single carbonator inlet port 430 are present. In this case, thecarbon dioxide gas and the filtered liquid enter container chamber 422via the same container inlet valve 426 and carbonator inlet port 430.Alternatively, a second container inlet valve and a second carbonatorinlet port (not shown) may be present so that the carbon dioxide gas andthe filtered liquid enter container chamber 422 via different containerinlet valve/carbonator inlet ports.

In a further embodiment, beverage carbonation system 500, as shown inFIG. 19, includes all of the features shown in FIGS. 5, 12, 13 and 18.FIG. 19 illustrates the respective features associated with carbonation,waste evacuation, flavoring and filtration. It will be appreciated thatfor simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements of beveragecarbonation system 500 corresponding or analogous to elements ofbeverage carbonation systems 100, 200, 300 and 400 are labeled with thesame reference numerals as for beverage carbonation systems 100, 200,300 and 400 (but in the 500's). For brevity, the description ofcorresponding or analogous elements is not repeated.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, beverage carbonation system 500comprises carbonation chamber 542, evacuation system 578, flavor chamber583 and filter chamber 597, each of which function as outlined above.

A further embodiment comprises a method of making a carbonated beverage.With reference to FIG. 19, the exemplary method comprises introducingliquid 506 into container 502. Container 502 is then sealed with closure510. Container 502 is engaged with carbonator 504. A carbon dioxidesource 544 is placed in carbonation chamber 542. This may be done byemptying the contents of the carbon dioxide portion 595 of combinedcartridge 594 into carbonation chamber 542. This may be done before orafter container 502 is engaged with carbonator 504. A first containeroutlet valve 524 in container 502 is opened to transfer a portion ofliquid 506 to carbonation chamber 542 to react with carbon dioxidesource 544 in carbonation chamber 542 to produce carbon dioxide gas 548.A container inlet valve 526 in container 502 is opened to transfercarbon dioxide gas 548 produced by carbon dioxide source 544 intocontainer 502 to obtain a carbonated liquid in container 502. Firstcontainer outlet valve 524 and container inlet valve 526 are then closedto seal container 502. Container 502 is then disengaged from carbonator104. In some cases, this process takes approximately 40 seconds. In somecases, this process takes approximately 30 to 120 seconds.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 19, the following steps may occur prior toclosing first container outlet valve 524 and container inlet valve 526to seal container 502 and prior to disengaging container 502 fromcarbonator 504. A flavor source 582 may be placed in flavor chamber 583.This may be done before, after, or at the same time that carbon dioxidesource 544 is placed in carbonation chamber 542. A second containeroutlet valve 584 is opened in container 502 to transfer a portion ofliquid 506 to flavor chamber 583 to mix liquid 506 with flavor source582 to produce a flavored liquid in flavor chamber 583. Container inletvalve 526 in container 502 is opened to transfer flavored liquidproduced by flavor source 582 into container 502 to obtain a flavoredliquid in container 502. Container inlet valve 526 may be opened before,during, or after liquid 506 initially mixes with flavor source 582. Insome cases, the flavoring process takes approximately 15 seconds.

In some cases, liquid 506 is filtered by passing the liquid through afilter (not shown) located in carbonator 504 within filter chamber 597,to obtain a filtered beverage in container 502. In some cases, thefiltration process takes approximately 20 seconds. In some embodiments,the filtration process takes approximately 20 to 60 seconds.

In some cases, external air is introduced into an evacuation system 578to facilitate the removal of residual waste (not shown) and pressurefrom carbonation chamber 542. External air is introduced into carbonator504 via evacuation inlet 579, passes through carbonation chamber 542 todislodge residual waste therein, and then exits carbonator 504. In somecases, the external air is also introduced to the evacuation system tofacilitate the removal of residual waste (not shown) and pressure fromthe flavor chamber 583 using the same process. In some cases, theexternal air cycles for approximately 15 seconds.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 19, an example method of producing afiltered, carbonated and flavored beverage is described below. In thiscase, liquid 506 is first filtered through filter chamber 597 and backto container chamber 522. After the filtering cycle completes, thecarbonation cycle begins. As part of the carbonation cycle, liquid 506is introduced to carbonation chamber 542 to react with carbon dioxidesource 544 therein. After liquid 506 has been introduced to carbonationchamber 542, liquid 506 passes through flavor chamber 583 and back tocontainer chamber 522 to produce a flavored beverage therein. During theflavoring cycle, carbon dioxide gas 548 passively moves from the higherpressure carbonation chamber 542 to the lower pressure container chamber522, to inject the carbon dioxide gas 548 into container chamber 522.After the flavoring process has completed, carbon dioxide gas inheadspace 163 of container chamber 522 is pumped through carbonationchamber 542 and back into container chamber 522. Alternatively, theentire carbonation cycle may be completed prior to the flavoring cycle(i.e. the process of carbon dioxide gas in headspace 163 of containerchamber 522 passing through carbonation chamber 542 and back intocontainer chamber 522 may also start and finish before the flavoringbegins). After the cycling of the carbon dioxide gas and flavoring havebeen completed, waste evacuation system 578 is activated to remove awaste product from at least one of carbonation chamber 542 and flavorchamber 543. The entire process as described above, including container102 and carbonator 104 engagement and disengagement, may takeapproximately the entire process may take approximately 70 to 210seconds. In more specific embodiments, the entire process may takeapproximately 120 to 180 seconds, or, more specifically, 90 to 180seconds. It will be appreciated that the timing of the entire processmay vary in accordance with, for example, the quality of filteringdesired, the speed of the pump, the level of carbonation desired, thevolume of the system to be pressurized, the temperature of the liquid inthe container, the type of carbon dioxide source and the type of flavorsource.

In alternative embodiments, the example method of producing a filtered,carbonated and flavored beverage outlined above may be completed in theabsence of at least one of the filtering cycle, the flavoring cycle andthe waste evacuation cycle.

Reference is now made to FIG. 20, which shows a schematic of yet anotherexample embodiment of a beverage carbonation system. In the exampleembodiment shown, a beverage carbonation system 1100 comprises acontainer 1102 and a carbonator 1104. Carbonator 1104 is removablyengageable with container 1102.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 20, a user of beverage carbonation system1100 may fill container 1102 with a liquid 1106, such as, but notlimited to, water, juice, coffee and alcohol. In some cases, container1102 has a mouth 1108 and a closure 1110 for sealing mouth 1108. Afterthe user fills container 1102 with liquid 1106, the user may seal mouth1108 with closure 1110. When container 1102 is filled with liquid 1106and engaged with carbonator 1104, carbonator 1104 can draw a quantity ofliquid 1106 from container 1102 for mixing with a reactive carbondioxide source in the carbonator 1104 to produce gaseous carbon dioxide.The gaseous carbon dioxide is introduced into container 1102 to mix withthe liquid therein to form a carbonated liquid in container 1102.

Optionally, the carbonator may also circulate the liquid through aflavor chamber containing a flavor source (e.g. flavor crystals, coffeegrinds, or syrup) to obtain a flavored liquid. The user is able todisengage the container 1102 from carbonator 1104 to obtain a sealedcarbonated beverage that may be opened for immediate consumption orstored for later use. The sealed carbonated beverage may share somecharacteristics with a store bought carbonated beverage, because sealedcontainer 1102 limits exposure to ambient pressure and reducescarbonation losses.

Carbonator 1104 may include a container holder 1112 for receiving atleast a portion of container 1102. In the example shown in FIG. 20,carbonator 1104 comprises a container holder 1112 sized to receive abase 1114 of container 1102. Optionally, container holder 1112 and base1114 have corresponding circular shapes. In some embodiments, one ormore of base 1114 and container holder 1112 comprise retentive elementsfor securing container 1102 to carbonator 1104. The retentive elementsmay comprise, for example, mating magnetic elements, mating threads, afriction grip or a detent mechanism.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 21 and 22, which show side views of anexemplary carbonation system 1100 (shown schematically in FIG. 20) inaccordance with at least one embodiment. In the example shown, containerholder 1112 is rotatably connected to the remaining portion ofcarbonator 1104 about a pivot axis 1116. Container holder 1112 may berotatable about the pivot axis 1116 between an open position and aclosed position.

FIG. 21 shows container holder 1112 rotated about pivot axis 1116 to theopen position. In the open position, a user has access to insert orremove container 1102 into or out of container holder 1112. FIG. 22shows container holder 1112 rotated about pivot axis 1116 to the closedposition. Beverage carbonation system 1100 may be configured to activatemanually or automatically after container holder 1112 is rotated to theclosed position when container 1102 is received in container holder1112.

Optionally, retentive element(s) (not shown) can be engaged to lockcontainer holder 1112 in the closed position. The retentive element(s)(e.g. a latch or magnetic lock) may automatically engage to lockcontainer holder 1112 in the closed position when container holder 1112is rotated into the closed position or when the operational cyclebegins. The retentive element(s) may automatically disengage to permitcontainer holder 1112 to rotate to the open position when theoperational cycle completes. The retentive element(s) may be manuallyengaged or disengaged, using a lever or a button (not shown), forexample.

Referring to FIG. 21, container holder 1112 may include a barrier 1118.Barrier 1118 may prevent fragments of container 1102 from projectingoutwardly if pressure inside container 1102 causes container 1102 toshatter (e.g. where container 1102 is made of glass and container 1102is structurally compromised by accident). Optionally, barrier 1118 ismade of a transparent material, such as, for example plastic or glass.Under normal operating conditions, container 1102 is not expected toshatter; however barrier 1118 provides an additional layer of safety inthe event of an accident.

Referring back to FIG. 20, container 1102 includes a shell 1120 defininga container chamber 1122 for holding liquid 1106. Shell 1120 may be madeof ceramic, glass, plastic or metal, for example. As illustrated, base1114 is a part of shell 1120. Container 1102 may be a bottle. Container1102 may also have a mouth 1108 defined by shell 1120 for introducingthe liquid 1106 into container chamber 1122. Optionally, mouth 1108 islocated at the top of container 1102 and provides an upward facingopening when container 1102 stands upright. Optionally, at least aportion of shell 1120 tapers inwardly towards mouth 1108, to facilitateliquid consumption directly from mouth 1108, if desired.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, container 1102 comprises aclosure 1110 for sealing mouth 1108. Closure 1110 may be configured tooperatively open and seal mouth 1108. To open mouth 1108, closure 1110may be removed entirely from mouth 1108. Closure 1110 may be a lid thatis removably engageable with mouth 1108. Closure 1110 and mouth 1108 mayhave mating threads that permit a user to twist closure 1110 onto andoff of container 1102. Optionally, closure 1110 is made of rubbermaterial or has a rubber gasket therein to create a seal with mouth1108. When the closure 1110 operatively opens mouth 1108, the user canpour a liquid into or out of mouth 1108. When closure 1110 operativelyseals mouth 1108, mouth 1108 is sealed in a substantially gas-tight andliquid-tight manner.

Continuing to refer to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20,container 1102 has a container outlet valve 1124. In the example shown,container outlet valve 1124 is located in closure 1110. Container outletvalve 1124 has a closed position and an open position. When closure 1110is sealing mouth 1108, container outlet valve 1124 is in the openposition and container 1102 is disengaged from carbonator 1104,container outlet valve 1124 provides an open passageway for fluid totravel between container chamber 1122 and the external atmosphere. Whenclosure 1110 is sealing mouth 1108, and container outlet valve 1124 isin the closed position, fluid is blocked from exiting container chamber1122 via container outlet valve 1124.

As exemplified in FIG. 20, container 1102 also has container inlet valve1126. In some embodiments, container inlet valve 1126 is in shell 1120.Optionally, container inlet valve 1126 is located in base 1114.Container inlet valve 1126 has a closed position and an open position.If container inlet valve 1126 is open, and container 1102 is disengagedfrom carbonator 1104, container inlet valve 1126 provides an openpassageway for fluid to travel between container chamber 1122 and theexternal atmosphere. When container inlet valve 1126 is closed, fluid isblocked from exiting container chamber 1122 via container inlet valve1126.

When container 1102 is engaged with carbonator 1104, container outletvalve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 may be opened to allow fluidto pass between container 1102 and carbonator 1104. When container 1102is disengaged from carbonator 1104, container outlet valve 1124 andcontainer inlet valve 1126 are closed to fluidly seal container 1102containing carbonated liquid.

Container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 may beconfigured (e.g. biased by a spring or otherwise) to seal automaticallyupon, or prior to, the release of container 1102 from carbonator 1104.For example, container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126may be, as non-limiting examples, a mechanical spring valve or a checkvalve.

Container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 may beone-way valves. When open, container outlet valve 1124 may only allowfluid to flow out of container chamber 1122. When open, container inletvalve 1126 may only allow fluid to flow into container chamber 1122.More specifically, container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve1126 may be a ball check valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve,or a duckbill valve.

As previously discussed, recall that the terminology of container“outlet” and “inlet” valves used throughout this disclosure refer to theflow direction of fluid relative to the container (exemplified ascontainer 102 in FIG. 1). A container “outlet valve” is applicable tofluid flow out of the container. Conversely, a container “inlet valve”is applicable to fluid flow into the container.

As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 20, carbonator 1104 has acarbonator outlet port 1128. Carbonator outlet port 1128 is fluidlyengageable with container outlet valve 1124 when container outlet valve1124 is in the open position. When carbonator outlet port 1128 isfluidly engaged with container outlet valve 1124, carbonator outlet port1128 and the container outlet valve 1124 are, directly or indirectly,fluidly coupled to one another. When the container outlet valve 1124 isopen and fluidly engages carbonator outlet port 1128, fluid is able toflow through container outlet valve 1124 and carbonator outlet port1128. In this manner, fluid passes between container chamber 1122 andcarbonator 1104.

As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 20, carbonator 1104 also hasa carbonator inlet port 1130. Carbonator inlet port 1130 is fluidlyengageable with container inlet valve 1126 when container inlet valve1126 is in the open position. When carbonator inlet port 1130 is fluidlyengaged with container inlet valve 1126, the carbonator inlet port 1130and container inlet valve 1126 are, directly or indirectly, fluidlycoupled to one another. When the container inlet valve 1126 is open andfluidly engages carbonator inlet port 1130, fluid is able to flowthrough container inlet valve 1126 and carbonator inlet port 1130. Inthis manner, fluid passes between carbonator 1104 and container chamber1122 (see FIG. 20).

As previously discussed, recall that the terminology of carbonator“outlet” and “inlet” ports used throughout this disclosure refer to theflow direction of fluid relative to the container (exemplified ascontainer 1102 in FIG. 20). An “outlet port” of the carbonator(exemplified as carbonator outlet port 1128 of carbonator 1104 in FIG.20) engages an outlet valve of the container (exemplified as outletvalve 1124 of container 1102 in FIG. 1) and represents a carbonator portthat provides fluid flow out of the container. Conversely, an “inletport” of the carbonator (exemplified as carbonator inlet port 1130 ofcarbonator 1104 in FIG. 20) engages an inlet valve of the container(exemplified as inlet valve 1126 of container 1102 in FIG. 20) andrepresents a carbonator port that provides fluid flow into thecontainer.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary container inletvalve 1126. Container inlet valve 1126 may be a mechanical spring valveor a check valve, for example. In the example shown, container inletvalve 1126 includes a housing 1132, a seat 1133, a spring 1134, a shaft1136, and a cap 1138. Carbonator outlet port 1128 is receivable byhousing 1132. Carbonator inlet port 1130 and housing 1132 may havecorresponding hollow cylindrical shapes. Spring 1134 is coupled to seat1133 and shaft 1136 to bias cap 1138 toward a closed position againstthe top of housing 1132. FIG. 23 shows container inlet valve 1126 in theclosed position.

When carbonator inlet port 1130 is received by housing 1132, seals 1140become wedged against housing 1132 and shaft 1136 along with cap 1138are urged upwardly. In this manner, a fluid tight seal may be providedby seals 1140 and cap 1138 is moved away from seat 1133. When shaft 1136rises, spring 1134 compresses to accommodate the movement of shaft 1136.The gap created between cap 1138 and seat 1133 provides an open passage(i.e. the valve is open). When open, container inlet valve 1126 permitsfluid to pass from carbonator 1104 into container chamber 1122 (see FIG.20) via carbonator inlet port 1130. Conversely, when carbonator inletport 1130 is withdrawn from housing 1132, cap 1138 seats onto and formsa seal with seat 1133 under the bias of spring 1134, thereby closingcontainer inlet valve 1126.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 23, carbonator inlet port 1130is located in container holder 1112.

Referring to back to FIG. 21, container 1102 is shown engaged withcarbonator 1104. When container holder 1112 is rotated to the openposition, as shown, a user can insert container 1102 into containerholder 1112 to fluidly engage container inlet valve 1126 with carbonatorinlet port 1130 (as shown in FIG. 20).

FIG. 22 shows container 1102 engaged with carbonator 1104 and containerholder 1112 rotated into the closed position. When container holder 1112is rotated into the closed position while a container 1102 is engagedwith carbonator 1104, a crown 1142 may manually or automatically engagecontainer 1102. In the example shown, crown 1142 is connected to a firstend 1143 of a lever 1144. As exemplified in FIG. 21, crown 1142 andlever 1144 can pivot about a second end 1145 of lever 1144 to move crown1142 into engagement with container 1102.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 21, crown 1142 may be manually orautomatically engaged with container 1102. For example, a controller1153 may activate a solenoid 1146 to extend a shaft 1147. Solenoid 1146may hydraulically or electromagnetically extend shaft 1147, for example.When extended, shaft 1147 may urge crown 1142 and lever 1144 to pivotabout second end 1145 thereby moving crown 1142 into engagement withclosure 1110 of container 1102 and facilitating the stabilization ofcontainer 1102 in carbonator 1104. In a variant embodiment, containerholder 1112 may be coupled to lever 1144 (e.g. by cable(s) or amechanical linkage, not shown) so rotating container holder 1112 intothe closed position rotates lever 1144 and moves crown 1142 intoengagement with closure 1110. Generally, controller 1153 may compriseany logic board suitably configured to control the operation ofcarbonator 1104, such as an Arduino™ controller, for example. Controller1153 may automatically activate solenoid 1146 when container holder 1112is rotated into the closed position, or by a user activated switch orbutton, for example.

Optionally, crown 1142 includes retentive elements (not shown). Theretentive elements may releasably couple crown 1142 to closure 1110 whencrown 1142 is engaged with closure 1110. For example, crown 1142 mayinclude tabs (not shown) that mate with grooves (not shown) in closure1110.

Referring again to FIG. 20, carbonator outlet port 1128 may be locatedin crown 1142. FIG. 20 shows crown 1142 engaged with closure 1110. Asexemplified, when crown 1142 is engaged with closure 1110, carbonatoroutlet port 1128 engages container outlet valve 1124.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary closure 1110. Inthe example embodiment shown, a container outlet valve 1124, in the formof a mechanical spring valve, is located in closure 1110. Asexemplified, container outlet valve 1124 comprises a housing 1154, aspring 1156, a shaft 1158, a cap 1160 and a seals 1162. Carbonatoroutlet port 1128 of carbonator 1104 may be receivable by housing 1154.Carbonator outlet port 1128 and housing 1154 may have correspondingcylindrical shapes. Seals 1162 are located between cap 1160 and housing1154. Spring 1156 is coupled to housing 1154 and shaft 1158 to bias cap1160 toward a closed position against housing 1154.

FIG. 24 shows container outlet valve 1124 in a closed position, withcarbonator outlet port 1128 disengaged from container outlet valve 1124.In the illustrated position, cap 1160 is biased upwardly by spring 1156thereby wedging seals 1162 between cap 1160 and housing 1154. Thiscreates a fluid tight seal preventing fluid (gas or liquid) from exitingcontainer chamber 1122 to the environment through container outlet valve1124.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 24, carbonator outlet port 1128 may bereceived by housing 1154 when crown 1142 is engaged with closure 1110(see crown 1142 in FIG. 22). When carbonator outlet port 1128 isreceived by housing 1154, it displaces shaft 1158 such that seals 1162separate from housing 1154 breaking the aforementioned seal. In thiscondition, fluid can exit the container chamber 1122 through containeroutlet port 1128 to the carbonator 1104 (see carbonator 1104 in FIG.20). For the example embodiment shown in FIG. 24, when carbonator outletport 1128 is withdrawn from housing 1154, shaft 1158 returns under thebias of spring 1156 wedging seals 1162 between cap 1160 and the bottomof housing 1154, thereby closing container outlet valve 1124.

Referring again to FIG. 22, carbonator 1104 may optionally have a startactuator 1151, which is optionally in the form of a depressible buttonor switch connected to the controller 1153. Start actuator 1151 may bemounted to an external surface of carbonator 1104. Activation of startactuator 1151 may send a signal to controller 1153 to activate theoperation cycle.

Start actuator 1151 may be activated after the container 1102 andcarbonator 1104 are engaged. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 22,start actuator 1151 may be activated after container 1102 is received incontainer holder 1112 and container holder 1112 is rotated into theclosed position. In some embodiments, activation of start actuator 1151opens one or both of container outlet valve 1124 and container inletvalve 1126 (see FIG. 20 for the container valves). In some embodiments,activation of start actuator 1151 temporarily locks container 1102 andcarbonator 1104 into engagement with one another. For example,activation of start actuator 1151 may engage crown 1142 with closure1110. In some embodiments, activation of start actuator 1151simultaneously opens one or both of container valves 1124, 1126 (seeFIG. 20 for the container valves) and temporarily locks container 1102to carbonator 1104.

Activation of start actuator 1151 may send a corresponding signal tocontroller 1153 to activate at least pump 1150.

Referring again to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, carbonator1104 has a carbonation chamber 1164. Carbonation chamber 1164 may beintegrally formed in carbonator 1104. As exemplified in FIG. 20,carbonation chamber 1164 contains a carbon dioxide source 1166.Optionally, carbonation chamber 1164 has an access hatch 1168 that opensto introduce carbon dioxide source 1166 into carbonation chamber 1164.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 20, carbon dioxide source 1166 is reactivewith liquid 1106 to produce carbon dioxide gas when liquid 1106 contactscarbon dioxide source 1166. Optionally, carbon dioxide source 1166 is asolid material that is chemically reactive with liquid 1106 to emitcarbon dioxide gas when the liquid contacts the solid material. Examplesof liquid 1106 include, but are not limited to, water, juice, tea andalcohol. Carbon dioxide source 1166 may be, for example, an acid mixedwith a carbonate, in wet or dry form, combined or separate untilrequired. In some cases, a solid material carbon dioxide source 1166 isa mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, and liquid 1106 iswater. More specifically, the solid material may be a dry solidmaterial, such as a powder. Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid can beadvantageous for use with water because when they react with water theydo not create heat during the reaction. This is desirable when producinga cooled carbonated beverage. In some cases, dry citric acid and sodiumbicarbonate have some benefits, including for example, being relativelyinexpensive, non-toxic, relatively easy to handle and/or capable ofpre-mixing.

Continuing to refer to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20,carbonator 1104 optionally includes a flavor chamber 1170. It will beappreciated that example embodiment shown in FIG. 20 may not have aflavor chamber 1170, in which case liquid 1106 would carbonator 1104would carbonate the liquid, but not flavor the liquid. Flavor chamber1170 may be integrally formed in carbonator 1104. If flavor chamber 1170is present, it can contain a flavor source 1172. Optionally, flavorchamber 1170 has an access hatch 1174 that opens to introduce flavorsource 1172 into flavor chamber 1170.

Flavor source 1172 may be, for example, flavor crystals, coffee grinds,instant coffee, syrup, minerals, concentrated juice, honey or any otherbeverage additive. Optionally, flavor source 1172 alters the taste ofliquid 1106.

As exemplified in FIG. 20, carbonator outlet port 1128 is fluidlyconnected to carbonation chamber 1164 containing carbon dioxide source1166 that produces carbon dioxide gas. When container outlet valve 1124is open and fluidly engages container outlet port 1128, liquid 1106 canflow from container chamber 1122 into carbonation chamber 1164 to formcarbon dioxide gas in carbonation chamber 1164.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, carbonator outlet port 1128is fluidly connected to carbonation chamber 1164 through a line 1180.Line 1180 is shown including a carbonation inlet 1182 to carbonationchamber 1164.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, carbonation chamber 1164 and flavorchamber 1170 are both present, and are divided by a chamber wall 1175.As shown, a chamber aperture 1176 in chamber wall 1175 fluidly connectscarbonation chamber 1164 and flavor chamber 1170.

Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, when containerinlet valve 1126 is open and engages with carbonator inlet port 1130,carbon dioxide gas produced in carbonation chamber 1164 can flow fromcarbonation chamber 1164, through chamber aperture 1176 to containerchamber 1122 to mix with liquid 1106 in container chamber 1122 to form acarbonated liquid in container chamber 1122. As exemplified, the carbondioxide gas flows through flavor chamber 1170 as it travels to containerchamber 1122 and acts upon (optionally pushing) flavor source 1172 toforce flavor source 1172 into container chamber 1122 to mix with liquid1106 inside container chamber 1122 and produce a flavored and carbonatedliquid.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, carbonator 1104 has at least one pump1150. As previously discussed, a pump (exemplified as pump 1150 in FIG.20) is any mechanism capable of facilitating fluid flow through thesystem. Pump 1150 may be, but is not necessarily limited to, anelectrical pump. The pump may include, as non-limiting examples, amechanism that facilitates fluid flow using differential pressure,negative pressure, gravity, or a combination thereof. Pump 1150 may pumpliquid 1106 from carbonator outlet port 1128 to pump 1150 via line 1178,then from pump 1150 to carbonation chamber 1164 via lines 1264 and 1180.In the example shown, carbonation chamber 1164 has a carbonation inlet1182 that feeds fluid into carbonation chamber 1164.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, flavor chamber 1170 does nothave a flavoring inlet, and all fluid exiting line 1180 is directed tocarbonation chamber 1164 via carbonation inlet 1182.

In an alternative embodiment, when a flavor chamber (such as flavorchamber 1170 shown in FIG. 20 is present), flavor chamber 1170 mayinclude a flavoring inlet (not shown) from line 1180 to flavor chamber1170. In this alternative embodiment, when container outlet valve 1124is open and fluidly engages container outlet port 1128, liquid 1106 canflow from container chamber 1122 into both flavor chamber 1170 andcarbonation chamber 1164. In at least one embodiment, mixing liquid 1106with flavor source 1172 inside flavor chamber 1170 reduces the viscosityof flavor source 1172. A low-viscosity mixture may flow more easilythrough the conduits of carbonator 1104 into container chamber 1122 thanan undiluted flavor source. The cross-sectional areas (ex. diameters) ofcarbonation inlet 1182 and the flavoring inlet (not shown) may be sizedto control what fraction of liquid 1106 exiting line 1180 is directed toeach of carbonation chamber 1164 and flavor chamber 1170. In some cases,more liquid 1106 from line 1180 is distributed into carbonation chamber1164 than flavor chamber 1170. Optionally, approximately ⅔ of liquid1106 exiting line 1180 is directed into carbonation chamber 1164 viacarbonation inlet 1182, while approximately ⅓ of liquid 1106 exits line1180 into flavor chamber 1170 via a flavoring inlet (not shown). Thismay be achieved by the cross-sectional area of carbonation inlet 1182being larger than the cross-sectional area of the flavoring inlet (notshown). In some cases, the cross-sectional area of carbonation inlet1182 may be substantially larger than the cross-section area of theflavoring inlet (not shown), such that substantially all of liquid 1106exits line 1180 into carbonation chamber 1164 via carbonation inlet1182.

In some cases, all of liquid 1106 exits line 1180 into flavor chamber1170. In these cases, the liquid may first enter flavor chamber 1170,then travel into carbonation chamber 1164 via chamber aperture 1176 inchamber wall 1175. This may occur when the carbonation inlet 1182 shown(as shown in FIG. 20) is not present, or when carbonation inlet 1182 hasa cross-sectional area that is significantly smaller than thecross-sectional area of the flavoring inlet (not shown).

Between approximately 1/10 and 9/10 of liquid 1106 exiting line 1180 maybe directed to carbonation chamber 1164.

It will be appreciated that, for some embodiments, flavor chamber 1170is removed from the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20 and liquid 1106flows into carbonation chamber 1164 via carbonation inlet 1182, thenthough line 1266 and into container 1102 via carbonator inlet port 1130,without passing through a flavor chamber, to provide a carbonated butnot flavored beverage in container chamber 1122.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 20, beverage carbonation system 1100 mayhave carbonation tube 1186. Carbonation tube 1186 is fluidly connectedto container outlet valve 1124 and extends inwardly into containerchamber 1122. Optionally, carbonation tube 1186 is in the shape of astraw, and extends vertically downwardly into container chamber 1122from closure 1110. To carbonate liquid 1106, a portion of liquid 1106enters a first end 1188 of carbonation tube 1186. Optionally, first end1188 is the bottom end of carbonation tube 1186. Optionally, second end1190 of carbonation tube 1186 is connected to container outlet valve1124.

In some cases, it may be desirable to limit the quantity of liquid thatis drawn into carbonation chamber 1164. For the example embodiment shownin FIG. 20, when pump 1150 is activated, a portion of liquid 1106 isdrawn through first end 1188 of carbonation tube 1186 and drawn tocarbonation chamber 1164 and optionally flavor chamber 1170. As thisprocess continues, the level of liquid 1106 inside the container chamber1122 falls. At a certain point, the liquid becomes level with first end1188 of carbonation tube 1186. When the level of liquid 1106 is at orbelow first end 1188 of carbonation tube 1186, no more liquid is drawnthrough carbonation tube 1186. Accordingly, the height of carbonationtube 1186 limits the amount of liquid 1106 that may be drawn into thecarbonation chamber 1164 of carbonator 1104. More specifically, themaximum volume of liquid 1106 that may be drawn into the carbonationchamber 1164 may be equal to the volume of container chamber 1122situated at an elevation above first end 1188 of carbonation tube 1186.In some cases, it takes approximately 10 seconds to lower the level ofliquid 1106 to first end 1188 of carbonation tube 1186. In someembodiments, as the level of liquid 1106 is lowered, liquid 1106 ispumped into carbonation chamber 1164 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds.

In some embodiments, shell 1120 of container 1102 may have a fill line1192. Fill line 1192 may correspond to an ideal level of liquid 1106.When the liquid is filled to fill line 1192, there may be an idealvolume of liquid 1106 located at an elevation above first end 1188 ofcarbonation tube 1186. The ideal volume of liquid 1106 may correspondwith the specific quantity of liquid required to mix with carbon dioxidesource 1166 to produce carbon dioxide gas at a rate sufficient tocarbonate the liquid 1106 inside container chamber 1122. Optionally,fill line 1192 corresponds to a volume of between 5% and 20%, of thetotal volume of liquid 1106 prior to commencement of the carbonationprocess. As one example, prior to commencement of the carbonationprocess, the total volume of liquid 1106 in container chamber 1122 maybe 1000 mL and the volume of liquid 1106 between fill line 1192 andfirst end 1188 may be approximately 50 mL to 200 mL. More specifically,the volume of liquid between fill line 1192 and first end 1188 may beapproximately 50 mL to 120 mL.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, carbonation tube 1186 isconfigured to receive air and carbon dioxide gas from container chamber1122 for recirculation between container outlet valve 1124 and containerinlet valve 1126. Once the level of liquid falls at or below first end1188 of carbonation tube 1186, no more liquid enters the carbonationtube. However, as the process continues, air and some carbon dioxide gasthat was injected into container chamber 1122 from carbonation chamber1164 passes through the liquid in container chamber 1122 and intoheadspace 1194. Recirculating gas from headspace 1194 permits carbondioxide gas that passed through liquid 1106, but did not diffuse intothe liquid, to diffuse back into liquid 1106. This can reduce the timerequired to reach a desirable level of beverage carbonation because therecycled carbon dioxide gas is forced through the liquid at a fasterrate than if it were to passively dissolve from headspace 1194 intoliquid 1106.

When flavor chamber 1170 is present (as exemplified in FIG. 20), the airand carbon dioxide gas mixture may flow through flavor chamber 1170 asit is recirculated from headspace 1194 through container inlet valve1126 into container chamber 1122. When the gas mixture flows throughflavor chamber 1170 it can act upon flavor source 1172 that remains inflavor chamber 1170 to force that flavor source 1172 into containerchamber 1122 to mix with liquid 1106 inside container chamber 1122. Thegas mixture can also combine with additional carbon dioxide gas fromcarbonation chamber 1164 that enters flavor chamber 1170, to increasethe proportion of carbon dioxide gas in the gas mixture that travelsthrough the flavor chamber.

Optionally, pump 1150 is a liquid-gas pump that can pump liquid 1106from container chamber 1122, into carbonation chamber 1164, as well aspump carbon dioxide gas along a similar flow path. Alternatively, onegas pump and one liquid pump may be used to pump carbon dioxide gas andliquid 1106, respectively.

In some embodiments, a diffuser (not shown) may be fluidly connected tocontainer inlet valve 1126 (see FIG. 20). The diffuser can include anozzle that can accelerate fluid passing through it to produce a jet.This can facilitate the diffusion of carbon dioxide gas and flavorsource 1172 into liquid 1106 to carbonate and flavor liquid 1106 at afaster rate. The diffuser can also help to send carbonated liquid awayfrom container inlet valve 1126 at such a rate that liquid 1106 isagitated and increases the surface area of the liquid that is in contactwith the carbon dioxide. In this manner, the diffuser may be used toincrease the rate at which sufficient carbonation of liquid 1106 isachieved.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 20, once the beverage has been carbonated tothe desired extent, the user may activate a stop actuator (not shown) toshutdown pump 1150. Activation of a stop actuator can send acorresponding signal to controller 1153 to perform the desiredoperation. Shutting down pump 1150 may stop the carbonation processdescribed above.

In at least one embodiment, pump 1150 may automatically shut down when asensor (not shown) indicates to the controller 1153 that a sufficientlevel of pressure has been achieved in container chamber 1122 toindicate a satisfactory level of beverage carbonation. The sensor can bemounted to carbonator inlet port 1130.

In some embodiments, pump 1150 shuts down after the pressure within thesystem (equalized across carbonator 1104 and container 1102) reaches apredetermined threshold. For example, pump 1150 may automatically shutdown when the pressure within the system reaches a threshold of betweenapproximately 50 to 80 psi.

In some embodiments, pump 1150 may be shut down after a pre-programmedtime period. In some more specific embodiments, liquid 1106 may bedelivered to carbonation chamber 1164 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds,and carbon dioxide gas in headspace 1194 may be recirculated out of andback into container 1102 for approximately 30 to 120 seconds (which mayoverlaps with the delivery of liquid 1106 to carbonation chamber 1164).In these cases, pump 1150 may be shut down after a predetermined timecorresponding to the completion of the delivery of liquid 1106 tocarbonation chamber 1164 and after the recirculation of carbon dioxidegas from headspace 1194. However, the appropriate time duration varieswith the volume and type of liquid 1106 to be carbonated.

If pump 1150 is shut down by controller 1153 (e.g. by activation of astop actuator or automatically according to a sensor or time expiry),container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 may be closedprior to container 1102 being disengaged from carbonator 1104. Forexample, controller 1153 may disengage crown 1142 from closure 1110(e.g. by operating solenoid 1146 to retract shaft 1147—see FIG. 21). Inthis manner, carbonator outlet port 1128 may be disengaged fromcontainer outlet valve 1124 and to close container outlet valve 1124(see FIG. 24).

When pump 1150 is shut down by controller 1153, controller 1153 may alsounlock container 1102 from carbonator 1104. For example, controller 1153may disengage crown 1142 from closure 1110.

When controller 1153 performs certain operations automatically (e.g.shut down pump 1150 or unlock container 1102 from carbonator 1104) anindicator (such as a light or sound, for example) may activate (e.g. tolet the user know that carbonation has completed and that the container1102 may be disengaged from carbonator 1104). In some cases, a user canmanually unlock container 1102 from carbonator 1104 using a manual latch(not shown) after a timed cycle is complete.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 20, in some cases, during the carbonationprocess, carbon dioxide gas can be continually generated by carbondioxide source 1166 and pumped into container chamber 1122 for mixingwith liquid 1106 and carbonated liquid inside of container chamber 1122.As carbon dioxide gas is generated, the equalized system pressure ofcontainer 1102 and carbonator 1104 rises. Furthermore, as carbon dioxidegas is circulated and recirculated through the liquid inside containerchamber 1122, the liquid becomes even more carbonated.

As discussed above, when container 1102 is disengaged from carbonator1104, container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 closeto seal container chamber 1122. In this manner, during disengagement ofcontainer 1102 and carbonator 1104, the elevated pressure issubstantially maintained in the container chamber. In some cases, apressure of approximately 50 to 80 psi is maintained in containerchamber 1122 following the disengagement of container 1102 andcarbonator 1104. This is advantageous because the user can store thecontainer (in a refrigerator or on a counter, for example) for laterconsumption. The closed container valves allow the container to remainsealed, to minimize carbonation losses to the external atmosphere. Thiscan help to prevent the carbonated beverage from going “flat” duringstorage, and to preserve the carbonated taste for later consumption.

As discussed above, liquid 1106 is carbonated by the carbon dioxide gasemitted from the carbon dioxide source 1166 present in the carbonationchamber 1164 (see FIG. 20). Exemplary structures and processes relatedto providing the carbon dioxide source to carbonation chamber 1164 willnow be discussed in detail.

As shown in FIGS. 20, 25 and 26, beverage carbonation system 1100 maycomprise a carbon dioxide cartridge 1196 for containing carbon dioxidesource 1166. Optionally, as exemplified, the beverage carbonation systemalso includes a flavor cartridge 1198 for containing flavor source 1172.The cartridges 1196, 1198 may be separate cartridges, or they may beconnected as a combined cartridge having separated compartments, asshown.

FIGS. 20, 25 and 26 show an example embodiment for combination cartridge1201. FIG. 25 provides a perspective view of combination cartridge 1201,while FIG. 26 provides a front view of exemplary combination cartridge1201. Optionally, cartridges 1196 and 1198 include a hollow housing 1197and a pierceable cover 1199. Pierceable cover 1199 may run along a topsurface of hollow housing 1197. Optionally, pierceable cover 1199 ismade of aluminum foil or plastic wrap, while the remainder of hollowhousing 1197 is made of molded plastic. Alternatively, combinationcartridge 1201 may have two pierceable covers, to separately covercartridges 1196 and 1198, respectively.

FIGS. 27 and 28 provide a perspective view and top view, respectively,of the combination cartridge 1201 of FIGS. 20, 25 and 26 with pierceablecover 1199 removed to show the interior of combination cartridge 1201.

Carbonator 1104 is exemplified in FIG. 20 as having a transfer mechanism1200. Generally, transfer mechanism 1200 receives carbon dioxidecartridge 1196 and deposits the carbon dioxide source 1166 therein intocarbonation chamber 1164. When a flavor cartridge 1198 and flavorchamber 1170 are optionally present, transfer mechanism 1200 receivesflavor cartridge 1198 and deposits flavor source 1172 therein intoflavor chamber 1170.

An exemplary transfer mechanism 1200 is shown in FIG. 21. FIGS. 29 and30 show a top view and a side view, respectively, of the transfermechanism exemplified in FIG. 21.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, transfer mechanism 1200includes a cartridge holder 1202 having a cavity 1204 sized to receive aflavor cartridge 1198, and a cavity 1206 sized to receive a carbondioxide cartridge 1196. FIG. 20 shows an exemplary combination cartridge1021 moved to a first, second and third position, represented by 1201′,1201″ and 1201′″, respectively. As exemplified, at the first position1201′, the combination cartridge 1201 contains carbon dioxide source1166 and flavor source 1172. In the second position, arrows 1208schematically illustrate that cartridges 1196 and 1198 can be insertedinto cartridge holder 1202 (as shown at second position 1201″).Optionally, as shown in FIG. 20, cartridges 1196 and 1198 may beinserted into cartridge holder 1202, hollow housing 1197 first. Thisleaves the pierceable cover 1199 of cartridges 1196, 1198 facing outwardand upward from cavities 1204 and 1206. Cartridges 1196 and 1198 arepreferably inserted into cartridge holder 1202 at second position 1201″with pierceable covers 1199 intact and affixed to housing 1197 (as shownin FIGS. 25 and 26).

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, transfer mechanism 1200includes at least one cutter 1210. Optionally, and as shown, transfermechanism 1200 includes two cutters 1210, one for each cartridge 1196,1198. As exemplified, cutters 1210 are configured to cut away at least aportion of a respective cartridge 1196, 1198 to release the carbondioxide source 1166 and flavor source 1172 contained therein intocarbonation chamber 1164 and flavor chamber 1170, respectively.

Optionally, cartridges 1196 and 1198 include pierceable cover 1199 whichfaces outward and upward from cavities 1204 and 1206 when cartridges1196 and 1198 are received in cartridge holder 1202. In the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 20, transfer mechanism 1200 is configured torotate (optionally, invert) cartridge holder 1202 to align the outwardfacing pierceable cover 1199 with a respective cutter 1210, as shown atthird cartridge position 1201′″ in FIG. 20. The movement from the secondcartridge position 1201″ to the third cartridge position 1201″ isschematically illustrated by arrows 1212 and 1217 in FIG. 20.

Transfer mechanism 1200 can move a cartridge, such as combinationcartridge 1201 from second position 1201″ to third position 1201′″ (seeFIG. 20). An exemplary structure and operation of transfer mechanism1200 will now be discussed in detail with respect to FIGS. 29 and 30.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, cartridge holder1202 is rotatably coupled to a carrier 1214. Cartridge holder 1202 maybe suspended inside of carrier 1214 by support members 1215. Asexemplified, support members 1215 may be cylindrical. Cartridge holder1202 may be fixedly coupled to support members 1215, to rotate alongwith support members 1215. Support members 1215 may extend fromcartridge holder 1202 through openings (not shown) in carrier 1214. Inat least one embodiment, support members 1215 and the openings incarrier 1214 are sized and shaped to permit support members 1215 torotate inside the openings, to permit cartridge holder 1202 to rotatewith respect to carrier 1214.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, carrier 1214 is slideably coupled torails 1216 by at least one sliding connection member (not shown). In theexample embodiment shown in FIG. 29, carrier 1214 is suspended on rails1216 and can translate in the direction of arrow 1217 along a linearpath between rails 1216 to align cartridges 1196 and 1198 abovecarbonation chamber 1164 and flavor chamber 1170, respectively.

As exemplified in FIGS. 29 and 30, a distal end 1218 of each supportmember 1215 includes an end projection 1219. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 29 and 30, each end projection 1219 extends through a passage 1220of a frame 1221. As exemplified in FIG. 30, passage 1220 is an openingin frame 1221 sized to receive end projection 1219. In some embodiments,passage 1220 may be formed in an interior surface of carbonator 1104.End projection 1219 can move along passage 1220 (see FIG. 30), ascarrier 1214 slides in the direction of arrow 1217 along rails 1216 (seeFIG. 29).

As exemplified in FIG. 30, passage 1220 includes a first portion 1222, asecond portion 1223 and a rotary portion 1224 intermediate the first andsecond portions 1222 and 1223. Also, end projection 1219 is shown inFIG. 30 having a dumbbell or peanut-like shape including a first end1225 and a second end 1226. As exemplified in FIG. 30, a width 1227 ofpassage 1120 generally corresponds to a width 1228 of end projection1219. For example, width 1227 may be equal to or slightly larger thanwidth 1228. This may constrain the rotation of end projection 1219 (andtherefore cartridge holder 1202) when end projection 1219 is located inthe first portion 1222 or second portion 1223 of passage 1220. In theexample embodiment shown in FIG. 30, when end projection 1219 is in thefirst portion 1222, the first and second ends 1225 and 1226 of endprojection 1219 align with an axis of passage 1220 and the orientationof cartridge holder 1202 positions covers 1199 of cartridges 1196 and1198 generally upwardly (cartridges 1196 and 1198 are shown in FIG. 29).

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 30, end projection 1219 canslide along passage 1220 from the first portion 1222, through the rotaryportion 1224, to the second portion 1223 as carrier 1214 (and cartridgeholder 1202) slides in the direction of arrow 1217 along rails 1216(rails 1216 are shown in FIG. 29). In at least one embodiment, endprojection 1219 (and cartridge holder 1202) inverts (e.g. rotatesapproximately 180 degrees) when it travels through rotary portion 1224.For example, when end projection 1219 enters rotary portion 1224 fromfirst portion 1222, first end 1225 of end projection 1219 may enterpocket 1231. In this example, as carrier 1214 moves into second portion1223, end projection 1219 pivots about first end 1225 in pocket 1231,rotating second end 1226 forward. In this example embodiment shown inFIG. 30, as end projection 1219 moves from the first portion 1222 to thesecond portion 1223, end projection 1219 and cartridge holder 1202rotate approximately 180 degrees (counterclockwise from the perspectiveof FIG. 30) such that pierceable cover 1199 of cartridges 1196 and 1198faces generally downwardly (not shown).

Continuing to refer to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 30, when endprojection 1219 enters the second portion 1221, the rotation ofcartridge holder 1202 faces pierceable cover 1199 downwardly (notshown). When pierceable cover 1199 faces downwardly, moving carrier 1214further in the direction of arrow 1217 causes blades 1210 makes contactwith and pierce cover 1199. Optionally, blades 1210 scrape a substantialportion of pierceable cover 1199 off of cartridges 1196 and 1198(cartridges 1196 and 1198 are shown in FIG. 29). When pierceable cover1199 is pierced, carbon dioxide source 1166 and flavor source 1172 mayflow out of cartridges 1196 and 1198, respectively, and into funnels1229 (see FIG. 29). In this example, funnels 1229 direct flavor source1172 into flavor chamber 1170, and direct carbon dioxide source 1166into carbonation chamber 1164 (as shown by the third cartridge position1201′″ in FIG. 20)

As exemplified in FIG. 21, in use, a user may pull on handle 1288 torotate container holder 1112 to the open position. Pulling on handle1288 (see FIG. 21) may provide access to manually pull carrier 1214 andthereby move end projection 1219 from the second portion 1222 to thefirst portion 1223 and thereby rotating cartridge holder 1202 to receivecartridges 1196 and 1198 from above (see FIGS. 29 and 30). Referring toFIGS. 29 and 30, after cartridges 1196 and 1198 have been inserted intocartridge holder 1202, a user may manually push on carrier 1214 movingend projection 1219 from the first portion 1223 to the second portion1222, and thereby inverting cartridge holder 1202. The user may continueto push carrier 1214 further along the second portion 1222 and therebypierce cover 1199 of cartridges 1196 and 1198 on blades 1210, anddeposit carbon dioxide source 1166 and flavor source 1172 fromcartridges 1196 and 1198 into carbonation chamber 1164 and flavorchamber 1170 (as shown in FIG. 20 at third cartridge position 1201″)'.Afterward, the user may push on handle 1288 to rotate container holder1112 to the closed position (shown in FIG. 22). In alternativeembodiments, carrier 1214 may be coupled to container holder 1112 sothat carrier 1214 is automatically moved by the opening and closing ofcontainer holder 1112. Carrier 1214 may be mechanically linked tocontainer holder 1112 by linkages, for example. In alternativeembodiments, the movement of carrier 1214 may be automated by controller1153.

Referring now to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, carbonationchamber 1164 may include an access hatch 1168 that can open to permitthe deposit of carbon dioxide source 1166 into carbonation chamber 1164from carbon dioxide cartridge 1196. In some cases, access hatch 1168 mayclose to seal the carbonation chamber 1164 from carbon dioxide cartridge1196. Similarly, when a flavor chamber 1170 is present, flavor chamber1170 may include an access hatch 1174 that can open to permit thedeposit of flavor source 1172 into flavor chamber 1170 from flavorcartridge 1198. In some cases, access hatch 1174 may close to sealflavor chamber 1170 from flavor cartridge 1172.

As exemplified in FIG. 20, access hatches 1168 and 1174 are shown ashinged doors. Access hatches 1168 and 1174 may be coupled to a rod 1290(see FIGS. 21 and 22).

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, as exemplified in these figures, rod1290 can rotate counterclockwise to open access hatches 1168 and 1174,and can rotate clockwise to close access hatches 1168 and 1174 (accesshatches 1168 and 1174 are shown in FIG. 20, but are not shown in FIGS.21 and 22).

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, rod 1290 (shown asextending into the page) is coupled to lever arms 1292 and 1294. Asexemplified, when carrier 1214 moves from the position shown in FIG. 21as to the left, carrier 1214 may urge lever arm 1292 to the left (fromthe perspective of FIGS. 21 and 22) thereby rotating rod 1290 to openthe access hatches 1168 and 1174 (shown in FIG. 20, not shown in FIGS.21 and 22). This may permit carrier 1214 to cause the access hatches tobe opened just before covers 1199 of cartridges 1196 and 1198 arepierced, so that once pierced the carbon dioxide source 1166 and flavorsource 1172 of cartridges 1196 and 1198 deposit into chambers 1164 and1170, respectively (as shown by third cartridge position 1201′″ in FIG.20).

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a link 1296 isrotatably connected to container holder 1112 and slidably connected torail 1298. As exemplified, when container holder 1112 rotates from theopen position (shown in FIG. 21) to the closed position (shown in FIG.22), a first end 1300 of link 1296 may slide along rail 1298 and urgelever arm 1294 to the left (from the perspective of FIGS. 21 and 22)thereby rotating rod 1290 clockwise (from the perspective of FIGS. 21and 22) to close access hatches 1168 and 1174 (the hatches are shown inFIG. 20, but are not shown in FIGS. 21 and 22). This may permit accesshatches 1168 and 1174 to be closed, sealing chambers 1164 and 1170(shown in FIG. 20), as container holder 1112 is rotated into the closedposition, readying chambers 1164 and 1170 for an operational cycle (i.e.at least liquid carbonation) to occur.

Referring back to FIG. 20, in an alternative embodiment, the conditionof access hatches 1168, 1174 may be controlled by controller 1153. Atsome time before carbon dioxide cartridge 1196 (and, if present, flavorcartridge 1198) is pierced by cutters 1210, controller 1153 opens accesshatch 1168 of carbonation chamber 1164 (and optionally access hatch 1174of flavor chamber 1170, if the flavor chamber is present), to permit thecontents of cartridges 1196 (and optionally 1198) to be deposited intothe corresponding chamber. For example, controller 1153 may open accesshatches 1168, 1174 when container 1102 is engaged with carbonator 1104.Alternatively, controller 1153 may open access hatches 1168, 1174 at theend of a previous operation cycle, when container 1102 is disengagedfrom carbonator 1104 (i.e. before container 1102 is re-engaged withcarbonator 1104 and a new operation cycle is started).

Controller 1153 may close access hatches 1168 to carbonation chamber1164 (and, if present, access hatch 1174 to flavor chamber 1170) uponthe expiry of a predetermined time after carbon dioxide cartridge 1196(and if present, flavor cartridge 1198) is been pierced by cutters 1210.The predetermined time can be selected to correspond with the expectedtime required for the cartridge contents to deposit into the chambers1164, 1170. In some cases, controller 1153 waits approximately 5 secondsafter cartridges 1196, 1198 have been pierced before closing accesshatches 1168, 1174.

Referring again to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, carbonator1104 has a waste reservoir 1230. Some particular liquids and carbondioxide sources react with one another to produce residual wasteproducts. For example, tap water will react with a mixture of citricacid and sodium bicarbonate to produce a residual slurry waste product,such as, for example, sodium citrate. As illustrated in FIG. 20, wastereservoir 1230 may be located in carbonator 1104 outside of carbonationchamber 1164. Waste reservoir 1230 is at least partially removable froma remaining portion of carbonator 1104 (i.e. the portion of carbonatorremaining after waste reservoir 1230 is removed). Waste reservoir 1230may be a container that is removable from the remainder of carbonator1104, as shown in FIG. 20. In some embodiments, waste reservoir 1230 isa sliding tray the user can pull at least partially out of carbonator1104 to access a waste product therein (not shown).

Waste reservoir 1230 may be removed from carbonator 1104 and rinsed ordumped into the trash, then reinserted into carbonator 1104 for reuse.The user may clean and/or empty waste reservoir 1230 after approximatelyevery 5 to 10 carbonation cycles. In some more specific embodiments, theuser may clean and/or empty waste reservoir 1230 after approximately 5cycles. Alternatively, waste reservoir 1230 may be configured to becleaned out after each carbonation cycle. However, this will vary withthe volume of liquid being carbonated per cycle, and the type of liquidand carbon dioxide source used.

In some embodiments, waste reservoir 1230 may be fluidly communicatedwith a piping system, to allow a waste product to drain from thecarbonation chamber 1164 without requiring waste reservoir 1230 to be atleast partially removed from carbonator 1104. In some embodiments,carbonation chamber 1164 may be directly connected a piping system (inthe absence of waste reservoir 1230) to allow a waste product to beevacuated from the carbonator 1104 by fluid flow. This piping system maytap into a household piping system, for example.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 20, in the example shown, waste reservoir1230 includes a waste inlet 1232. As shown, waste can be ejected fromcarbonation chamber 1164 into waste reservoir 1230 through waste inlet1232.

In cases where a flavor chamber is present (as exemplified in FIG. 20)After access hatches 1168 and 1174 are closed, some residual amount ofcarbon dioxide source 1166 or flavor source 1172 may remain in carbondioxide cartridge 1196 and flavor cartridge 1198, respectively.Accordingly, in the example shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, carbonator 1104includes a drip slide 1302 that can be positioned between transfermechanism 1200 and chambers 1164 and 1170 to direct dripping residualcartridge contents into a waste reservoir 1230. This may preventresidual carbon dioxide source 1166 and residual flavor source 1172 fromdripping onto access hatches 1168 and 1174 of chamber 1164 and 1170 (seeFIG. 20) when these access doors are closed. In some cases, residualcartridge contents may drip for approximately 1 minute, during whichtime drip slide 1302 may be in place to protect the access hatches fromthe dripping residual cartridge contents.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a link 1304 couplesdrip slide 1302 to lever arm 1292. As shown in FIG. 21 and discussedabove, when container holder 1112 is moved to the closed position, rod1290 rotates to close access hatches 1168 and 1174 (access hatches areshown in FIG. 20). Rotating rod 1290 to close the access hatches(counterclockwise in the example of FIGS. 21 and 22) moves lever arm1292 and link 1304, and drip slide 1302 moves to the right (from theperspective of FIGS. 21 and 22), and thereby positions drip slide 1302between transfer mechanism 1200 and chambers 1164 and 1170. Accordingly,in the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the closure ofaccess hatches 1168 and 1174 (shown in FIG. 20), is coordinated with themovement of drip slide 1302 into position between transfer mechanism1200 and chambers 1164 and 1170. Drip slide 1302 may be positionedbetween transfer mechanism 1200 and chambers 1164 and 1170 before accesshatches 1168 and 1174 (FIG. 20) are closed so that residue does not driponto the access hatches.

Referring again to FIG. 20, carbonator outlet port 1128 may bedisengaged from container outlet valve 1124 after the carbonation cycleis complete, exposing carbonator outlet port 1128 to atmospheric air. Inthis condition, pump 1150 can be activated to draw atmospheric air intocarbonation chamber 1164 to eject the waste therein into waste reservoir1230. In some embodiments, atmospheric air is pumped through carbonationchamber 1164 into waste reservoir 1230 for approximately 15 seconds. Insome embodiments, atmospheric air is pumped through carbonation chamber1164 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds.

Continuing to refer to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, beveragecarbonation system 1100 optionally has a removable filter 1250 locatedin a filter chamber 1252. As exemplified, filter chamber 1252 contains aremovable filter 1250 in fluid communication with container chamber 1122to filter liquid 1106. In some cases, the user needs to replace theremovable filter approximately every 50 filtration cycles.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, filter chamber 1252 islocated between pump 1150 and carbonator outlet port 1128. Asexemplified, all fluid (liquid and/or gas) that is drawn from containerchamber 1122 into carbonator 1104 flows through, and is filtered by,filter 1250.

In alternative embodiments, filter chamber 1252 may be differentlylocated so that fluid from filter chamber 1252 can be optionallyfiltered. In such embodiments, the filtering process may start before orafter carbonating liquid 1106. It will be appreciated that if thefiltration process starts before the carbonation process, the liquid1106 that passes through the filter is the original, uncarbonated liquid1106. However, if the filtering process starts after the carbonationprocess, the liquid that passes through the filter is at least partiallycarbonated. Preferably, liquid 1106 is filtered before it is carbonated.Alternatively, the carbonated liquid may be subsequently filtered.However, if carbonated liquid is filtered, it is preferred to run thecarbonated liquid thorough the filter at an elevated pressure. At lowerpressures, the filter may undesirably remove some carbonation from thecarbonated liquid. In some embodiments, In some embodiments, thefiltering process lasts for approximately 20 to 60 seconds. The timingfor the filtering process may vary depending on the quality of filteringdesired and the speed of pump 1150, for example.

The operation of beverage carbonation system 1100 will now be describedin greater detail. FIG. 21 shows beverage carbonation system 1100 withcontainer holder 1112 in the open position. With container holder 1112in the open position, container 1102 can be disengaged from carbonator1104, and closure 1110 removed to fill container 1102 with a liquid 1106of choice up to fill line 1192. Afterwards, closure 1110 can be replacedonto mouth 1108 of container 1102, and container 1102 can be replacedonto container holder 1112.

In the example shown in FIG. 21, access is provided to transfermechanism 1200 to insert carbon dioxide cartridge 1196 (and optionally,flavor cartridge, 1198) when container holder 1112 is rotated aboutpivot axis 1116 into the open position. In this condition, a user mayinsert cartridges 1196, 1198 into cavities 1204, 1206 of cartridgeholder 1202. Optionally, transfer mechanism 1200 may be located ororiented differently than the example shown so that there is access toinsert cartridges 1196, 1198 even after container holder 1112 is rotatedinto the closed position.

FIG. 22 shows transfer mechanism 1200 after cartridges 1196, 1198 havebeen inverted and pierced by cutters 1210. Once the cartridges arepierced, the contents of cartridges 1196, 1198 may be deposited intochambers 1164, 1170 respectively (as shown by third cartridge position1201′″ in FIG. 20).

Referring to FIG. 22, start actuator 1151 may be activated to send asignal to controller 1153 to begin the operation cycle. In analternative embodiment, however, controller 1153 may begin the operationcycle automatically when it detects that at least one cartridge isinserted into cartridge holder 1202, a container 1102 is engaged withcontainer holder 1112, and the container holder 1112 is rotated into theclosed position, as exemplified in FIG. 22.

Referring to FIG. 20, controller 1153 may begin by engaging containeroutlet port 1124 with carbonator outlet port 1128. Referring to FIG. 22,controller 1153 may then activate solenoid 1146 to extend shaft 1147 andurge crown 1142 containing carbonator outlet port 1128 (shown in FIG.20) into engagement with closure 1110 containing container outlet valve1124 (shown in FIG. 20).

Referring to FIG. 20, in alternative embodiments, carbonator outlet port1128 may engage with container outlet valve 1124 absent a signal fromcontroller 1153.

Referring to FIG. 22, lever 1144 may be manually operable (e.g. by auser) to engage crown 1142 with closure 1110. In another embodiment, amechanical linkage (not shown) rotates lever 1144 and moves crown 1142into engagement with closure 1110 in response to the rotation ofcontainer holder 1112 into the closed position, for example.

Referring to FIG. 20, container inlet valve 1126 may automaticallyengage carbonator inlet port 1130 when container 1102 is inserted intocontainer holder 1112. However, in alternative embodiments, controller1153 activates an actuator (not shown) to move carbonator inlet port1130 (ex. generally upwardly) into engagement with container inlet valve1126.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 20, after container 1102 is engaged withcarbonator 1104 (i.e. carbonator inlet port 1130 is engaged withcontainer inlet valve 1126 and carbonator outlet port 1128 is engagedwith container outlet valve 1124) controller 1153 may activate pump 1150to begin circulating fluid through the system. Controller 1153 mayselectively control the open and closed condition of a plurality ofsolenoid valves to direct the flow of fluids through carbonator 1104. Inthe example shown schematically in FIG. 20, carbonator 1104 includesfour valves: a filter solenoid valve 1254, a cartridge solenoid valve1256, a container solenoid valve 1258 and a waste solenoid valve 1260.Each solenoid valve may be one of any suitable type of valve, including,but limited to, a directional control valve, a diaphragm valve, or apinch valve. Although system 1100 is shown including four solenoidvalves, alternative embodiments may include more or less valves.

Continuing to refer to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, inembodiments including filter chamber 1252, controller 1153 may begin byconfiguring a filtration cycle including a fluid connection betweencontainer chamber 1122, filter chamber 1252, and pump 1150. In theexample shown schematically in FIG. 20, controller 1153 opens filtersolenoid valve 1254 and closes all of the other solenoid valves 1256,1258 and 1260. In this configuration, a fluid connection is formedincluding line 1178, line 1262, line 1264 and line 1266. As exemplified,liquid 1106 may flow into carbonation tube 1186, through containeroutlet valve 1124, carbonator outlet port 1128, line 1178, filterchamber 1252, line 1262, pump 1150, line 1264, solenoid valve 1254, line1266, container inlet valve 1126 and re-enter container chamber 1122,filtered.

Controller 1153 may continue the filtration cycle for a predeterminedperiod of time. Alternatively, controller 1153 continues the filtrationcycle until a stop filtration actuator (not shown) is activated (e.g.manually by a user).

In some embodiments, after the filtration cycle is complete (if system1100 includes a filter chamber 1252), controller 1153 continues with thecarbonation cycle.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, controller 1153 configures acarbonation cycle including at least container chamber 1122, pump 1150and carbonation chamber 1164. In the example shown in FIG. 20,controller 1153 opens cartridge solenoid valve 1256 and containersolenoid valve 1258, and closes the other solenoid valves 1254 and 1260.In this configuration, a fluid connection is formed including line 1178,line 1262, line 1264, line 1180, line 1268 and line 1266.

As exemplified, initially, liquid 1106 flows from container chamber 1122into carbonation tube 1186, through container outlet valve 1124,carbonator outlet port 1128, line 1178, filter chamber 1252, line 1262,pump 1150, line 1264, solenoid valve 1256, line 1180 and then intocarbonation chamber 1164.

As exemplified, as liquid enters carbonation chamber 1164, it mixes withcarbon dioxide source 1166 to produce carbon dioxide gas. In someembodiments, liquid 1106 may be delivered to carbonation chamber 1164for approximately 5 to 15 seconds. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20,the carbon dioxide gas flows into flavor chamber 1170 though chamberaperture 1176 in chamber wall 1175. In this embodiment, the carbondioxide gas pressurized in carbonation chamber 1164 travels into andthrough the flavor chamber to force flavor source 1172 in flavor chamber1170 into container 1102. As carbon dioxide gas is generated incarbonation chamber 1164, the pressure inside of flavor chamber 1170rises ejecting flavor source 1172 out of flavor chamber 1170 and intocontainer chamber 1122 via container inlet valve 1126. The carbondioxide gas also exits flavor chamber 1170 and flows into containerchamber 1122 through container inlet valve 1126. The flavoring andcarbon dioxide is thereby transferred into container 1102, to flavor andcarbonate liquid 1106 in the container.

In some cases, liquid 1106 will cease to flow from container chamber1122 when the water level inside container chamber 1122 is level withfirst end 1188 of carbonation tube 1186. Afterward, gas from headspace1194 instead of liquid 1106 may be drawn through first end 1188 ofcarbonation tube 1186. The gaseous flow may enter flavor chamber 1170and augment the pressure provided by the carbon dioxide gas. This mayaccelerate the transfer of flavor source 1172 and carbon dioxide gasfrom flavor chamber 1170 to container chamber 1122. The transfer ofcarbon dioxide gas from headspace 1194 out of container chamber 1122,through carbonation chamber 1164 and back to container chamber 1122. Insome embodiments, this circulation of carbon dioxide gas takesapproximately 30 to 120 seconds. In some cases, the circulation ofcarbon dioxide gas occurs almost simultaneously (or after a short delay)from the time that liquid 1106 is drawn from container 1102 to reactwith carbon dioxide source 1166 in carbonation chamber 1164. In somecases, liquid 1106 is transferred from container 1102 to carbonationchamber 1164 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds. It will be appreciatedthat there may some overlap between the liquid carbonation cycle (whichmay be 5 to 15 seconds, for example) and the portion of the carbonationcycle involving the recirculation of carbon dioxide gas from headspace1194 (which may be 30 to 120 seconds, for example).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, flavor source 1172 that enterscontainer chamber 1122 through container inlet valve 1126 mixes withliquid 1106 to produce a flavored liquid. Similarly, carbon dioxide gasthat enters container chamber 1122 through container inlet valve 1126bubbles (optionally, generally upwardly) through liquid 1106, diffusinginto liquid 1106 to produce a carbonated liquid.

Some carbon dioxide gas may not diffuse into liquid 1106 before it risesinto headspace 1194. At least some of this carbon dioxide gas maysubsequently drawn in through carbonation tube 1186 and re-entercontainer chamber 1122 through container inlet valve 1126. Recirculatingthe undiffused carbon dioxide gas in headspace 1194 may accelerate thecarbonation cycle, thereby reducing the time required to carbonateliquid 1106 to the desired level.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, during the carbonation cycle, thesystem pressure rises as carbon dioxide gas is generated by flavorsource 1172. Carbonator 1104 may include a pressure relief valve (notshown) to prevent the system pressure from rising to unsafe levels. Forexample, the pressure relief valve may be configured to open when thepressure rises to approximately 70 psi to 80 psi. In some embodiments,the pressure relief valve may be configured to open when the pressurerises above 70 psi. In more specific embodiments, the pressure reliefvalve may be configured to open when the pressure rises above 80 psi.The pressure at which the pressure relief valve opens may vary dependingon the strength of material used for shell 1120 of container 1102 (suchas, but not limited to, glass or plastic).

Controller 1153 may end the carbonation cycle after a predetermined timeperiod. Optionally, controller 1153 ends the carbonation cycle afterapproximately 30 to 120 seconds. Generally, the predetermined timeperiod can correspond to an estimated time required to diffuse anoptimal volume of carbon dioxide gas into liquid 1106 inside ofcontainer chamber 1122. Accordingly, the predetermined time period canvary according to the volume of liquid 1106 inside of container chamber1122, the flow rate of pump 1150 and the potency of carbon dioxidesource 1166 to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 20, when the carbonation cycle ends,controller 1153 may configure a waste evacuation cycle includingcarbonation chamber 1164 and waste reservoir 1230. In the example shownin FIG. 20, controller 1153 may close container solenoid valve 1258 andopen waste solenoid valve 1260 so that cartridge solenoid valve 1256 andwaste solenoid valve 1260 are the only open valves. In this case, thepressure differential present in the system can passively force at leastsome (preferably a substantial amount) of residual carbon dioxide sourcewaste in carbonation chamber 1164 into waste reservoir 1230 throughwaste inlet 1232.

In cases where a filter chamber 1252, carbonation chamber 1164, flavorchamber 1170 and waste reservoir are present (as exemplified in FIG.20), the entire filtering, carbonation, flavoring and waste evacuationprocess may take approximately 70 to 210 seconds. In more specificembodiments, the entire process may take approximately 120 to 180seconds. It will be appreciated that the timing of the entire processmay vary in accordance with, for example, the quality of filteringdesired, the speed of pump 1150, level of carbonation desired, volume ofthe system to be pressurized, the temperature of liquid 1106, the typeof carbon dioxide source 1166 and the type of flavor source 1172.

Continuing this example with reference to FIG. 20, controller 1153 maycause carbonator outlet port 1128 to disengage from container outletvalve 1124 to expose carbonator outlet port 1128 to external air. In theexemplified embodiment, a fluid connection is formed between atmosphericair, line 1178, filter chamber 1252, line 1262, pump 1150, line 1264,cartridge solenoid valve 1256, line 1180, carbonation chamber 1164, line1270, waste solenoid valve 1260, line 1272 and waste reservoir 1230. Insome cases, the disengagement of carbonator outlet port 1128 andcontainer outlet valve 1124 may occur after the pressure differential isused to passively force at least some (preferably a substantial amount)of residual carbon dioxide waste into waste reservoir 1230. In thesecases, when the carbonator outlet port and container inlet valve aredisengaged, pump 1150 may be activated to facilitate the flow ofexternal air from carbonator outlet port 1128 into carbonation chamber1164 to eject remaining residual carbon dioxide source waste incarbonation chamber 1164 into waste reservoir 1230 through waste inlet1232.

Optionally, controller 1153 stops the waste evacuation cycle after apredetermined time period, such as 10 seconds for example. Optionally,controller 1153 stops the waste evacuation cycle after a flow sensor(not shown) detects there is no more waste flowing from carbonationchamber 1164 to waste reservoir 1230. Optionally, when a stop actuator(not shown) is depressed, a signal is sent to controller 1153 to stopthe waste evacuation cycle.

Optionally, waste reservoir 1230 is removable to empty the wastecollected therein. Waste reservoir 1230 is sized to hold waste fromapproximately 5 to 10 carbonation cycles. More specifically, wastereservoir 1230 may be sized to hold waste from approximately 5carbonation cycles.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 20, container 1102 may be removed fromcarbonator 1104 after the waste evacuation cycle has finished. Referringto FIG. 21, container holder 1112 may be unlocked automatically bycontroller 1153 or manually by a user to permit container holder 1112 torotate to the open position. Referring to FIGS. 20 and 22, in somecases, carbonator outlet port 1128 is in connected to crown 1142 andcarbonator outlet port 1128 engages container 1102 to temporarilyprevent container 1102 from being removed from container holder 1112.When container 1102 is removed from container holder 1112, carbonatorinlet port 1130 may disengage container inlet valve 1126 and containerinlet port 1126 automatically closes. Container 1102 seals thecarbonated (and optionally flavored) beverage from the exterior toprevent the beverage from losing carbonation and going “flat”. Thebeverage can be stored for a prolonged period with minimal loss ofcarbonation. Closure 1110 can be removed when a user is ready to consumethe beverage.

Referring to FIG. 21, with container holder 1112 in the open position, auser can manually pull on carrier 1214 to rotate cartridge holder 1202and cartridges 1196 and 1198 to face generally upwardly. Alternatively,the movement of carrier 1214 may be automated. Afterward, the expendedcartridges 1196, 1198 can be removed from cartridge holder 1202 anddisposed by trash (or recycled). Optionally, cartridges 1196, 1198 canbe cleaned, refilled, resealed and reused.

Reference is now made to FIG. 31, which shows a schematic of yet anotherexample embodiment of a beverage carbonation system 2000. In the exampleshown, beverage carbonation system 2000 includes container 2002 andcarbonator 2004.

In at least some examples, container 2002 has one or more features thatare generally analogous to those of container 1102 described above inconnection with beverage carbonation system 1100 (shown in FIGS. 20 to22, for example). Those elements of container 2002 labeled by areference numeral suffixed “b”, are in at least some embodimentsanalogous to the corresponding element of container 1102 labeled by thesame reference numeral (without the suffix “b”).

In at least some examples, carbonator 2004 has one or more features thatare generally analogous to those of carbonator 1104. Those elements ofcarbonator 2004 labeled by a reference numeral suffixed “b”, are in atleast some embodiments analogous to the corresponding element ofcarbonator 1104 labeled by the same reference numeral (without thesuffix “b”).

In the example shown in FIG. 31, container 2002 is removably engageablewith carbonator 2004. As shown, carbonator 2004 includes a containerholder 1112 b for receiving at least a portion of container 2002.Carbonator 2004 may be sized to receive base 1114 b of container 2002.Optionally, carbonator 2004 includes a barrier 1118 b for protecting theuser from, for example, a damaged container 2002 exploding underpressure. In some cases, barrier 1118 b is moved to an open position toinsert container into container holder 1112 b, and afterwards moved to aclosed position. In some embodiments, container 2002 is positionablebehind barrier 1118 b without moving barrier 1118 b.

As exemplified in FIG. 31, carbonator 2004 includes carbonator inletport 1130 b removably engageable with container inlet valve 1126 b, andcarbonator outlet port 1128 b removably engageable with container outletvalve 1124 b. In at least some cases, when a carbonator port and acontainer valve are engaged with one another, they become fluidlycoupled and thereby permit fluid (i.e. gas and/or liquid) to flowbetween container 2002 and carbonator 2004 across the engaged port andvalve.

In the example shown in FIG. 31, carbonator inlet port 1130 b is locatedin container holder 1112 b, and carbonator outlet port 1128 b is locatedin crown 1142 b. Container 2002 is shown including a base 1114 b and aremovable closure 1110 b. As exemplified in FIG. 31, container inletvalve 1126 b is located in base 1114 b, and container outlet valve 1124b is located in closure 1110 b. In alternative embodiments, one or moreof carbonator ports 1128 b and 1130 b is located elsewhere on carbonator2004, and/or one or more of container valves 1124 b and 1126 b islocated elsewhere on container 2002. In these alternative embodiments,each carbonator port 1128 b and 1130 b is aligned or alignable to engagewith a respective container valve 1124 b or 1126 b.

The terminology of carbonator “outlet” and “inlet” ports used throughoutthis disclosure refer to the flow direction of fluid relative to thecontainer (exemplified as container 2002 in FIG. 31). An “outlet port”of the carbonator (exemplified as carbonator outlet port 1128 b ofcarbonator 2004 in FIG. 31) engages an outlet valve of the container(exemplified as container outlet valve 1124 b of container 2002 in FIG.31) and represents a carbonator port that provides fluid flow out of thecontainer. Conversely, an “inlet port” of the carbonator (exemplified ascarbonator inlet port 1130 b of carbonator 2004 in FIG. 31) engages aninlet valve of the container (exemplified as container inlet valve 1126b of container 2002 in FIG. 31) and represents a carbonator port thatprovides fluid flow into the container.

Referring to FIG. 31, carbonator 2004 is shown including inlet portactuator 2006 for selectively moving carbonator inlet port 1130 b intoengagement with container inlet valve 1126 b, and outlet port actuator2008 for selectively moving carbonator outlet port 1128 b intoengagement with container outlet valve 1124 b. In the example shown,each port actuator 2006 and 2008 includes a respective port holder 2012or 2014 for holding a respective port 1130 b or 1128 b. In the exampleshown, each port holder 2006 and 2008 also includes a respective portdriver 2032 or 2034 for driving a respective port holder 2012 or 2014.Each of port drivers 2032 and 2034, as shown, acts upon a respectiveport holder 2012 or 2014 to selectively move the port 1130 b or 1128 bheld by that port holder 2012 or 2014, respectively, into or out ofengagement with a respective valve 1126 b or 1124 b.

In some examples, each of port holders 2012 and 2014 includes externalthreads which interface with mating threads 2036 or 2038 of a respectiveport driver 2032 or 2034. In at least some of these examples, each ofport drivers 2032 and 2034 can rotate (e.g. manually by a user, orautomatically by a motor) their respective threads 2036 or 2038 to movea respective port holder 2012 or 2014 toward a respective valve 1126 bor 1124 b. FIG. 31 exemplifies port holders 2012 and 2014 moved by arespective port driver 2032 or 2034 to a first position in which theport holder's respective port 1130 b or 1128 b is disengaged from theport's respective valve 1126 b or 1128 b. FIG. 32 shows an example ofport holders 2012 and 2014 moved by a respective port driver 2032 or2034 to a second position in which the port holder's respective port1130 b or 1128 b is engaged with the port's respective valve 1126 b or1128 b.

In alternative embodiments, one or both of port drivers 2032 and 2034interfaces with respective port holder 2012 or 2014 by other than matingthreads. In one example, a port driver (e.g. 2032 or 2034) includes oneor more electromagnets which can be selectively activated to attract orrepel a respective port holder (e.g. 2012 or 2014). The port holder inthis example may include ferromagnetic material (e.g. iron, or nickel)or have a selectively activated electromagnet.

In another example, a port driver (e.g. 2032 or 2034) includes amechanical linkage (e.g. a pivoting arm activated by a motor, or thedepression of a lever) which moves a respective port holder (e.g. 2012or 2014) to selectively engage or disengage the port held by that portholder (e.g. 1130 b or 1128 b) with a respective valve (e.g. 1126 b or1124 b).

In some embodiments, a port driver and a port holder are integrallyformed. Port driver 2034 may be a pivotally mounted lid. In one suchexample, port holder 2014 is defined by interior walls of an aperturethrough the lid 2034. Carbonator outlet port 1128 b in this example isheld by those interior walls, inside that aperture, such that when lid2034 with port holder 2014 is pivoted, carbonator outlet port 1128 bmoves toward or away from container outlet valve 1124 b.

In some embodiments, carbonator 2004 includes only one port actuator(e.g. 2006 or 2008). In some examples, the actuator's port driver (e.g.2032 or 2034) may be activated to selectively engage and disengage oneor both of carbonator ports 1130 b and 1128 b with the port's respectivecontainer valve 1126 b or 1124 b. In one such example, carbonator 2004includes inlet port actuator 2006 with a port driver 2032 that can beactivated to move inlet port holder 2012 by a distance sufficient to (i)engage carbonator inlet port 1130 b with container inlet valve 1126 b,and (ii) raise container 2002 until a stationary carbonator outlet port1128 b engages with container outlet valve 1124 b. In some examples,carbonator 2004 includes outlet port actuator 2006. In one such example,carbonator inlet port 1130 b is positioned such that the user engagescarbonator inlet port 1130 b with container inlet valve 1126 b byinserting container 2002 into container holder 1112 b. Alternatively,carbonator 2004 lowers container 2002 until stationary carbonator inletport 1130 b engages with container inlet valve 1126 b. Subsequently,outlet port actuator 2006 can be activated to lower outlet port holder2014 until carbonator outlet port 1128 b engages with container outletvalve 1124 b.

Each of port actuators 2006 and 2008 may be manually or automaticallyactivated. In one example (not shown), port driver 2034 of port actuator2008 is rotatable by hand to manually move port holder 2014 and port1128 b toward or away from container outlet valve 1124 b. In alternativeexamples, one or both of port actuators 2006 and 2008 is electricallyactivated (e.g. by motor or electromagnet).

In some embodiments, port actuators 2006 and 2008 are activated indirect response to a user action (e.g. manually rotating port driver2034, or depressing a special purpose button), or collaterally activatedas part of a mechanical and/or electrical sequence of events. In oneexample of a collateral activation, closing barrier 1118 b withcontainer 2002 in container holder 1112 b completes an electricalcircuit which powers one or both of port actuators 2006 and 2008 to movetheir respective port holder 2012 or 2014 to engage the port 1130 b or1128 b held by that port holder 2012 or 2014 with the port's respectivevalve 1126 b or 1124 b. In an alternative example, closing barrier 1118b is detected by a sensor communicatively coupled to controller 1153 b,and in response controller 1153 b sends a signal to activate one or bothof port actuators 2006 and 2008. In another example, inserting container2002 into container holder 1112 b is detected by a sensorcommunicatively coupled to controller 1153 b, which in response bothcloses barrier 1118 b and activates one or both of port actuators 2006and 2008 (e.g. simultaneous, or in sequence).

Continuing to refer to FIG. 31, in one example, a user of at least oneembodiment of beverage carbonation system 2000 fills container 2002 witha liquid 1106 b through container mouth 1108 b, and then seals mouth1108 b with container closure 1110 b. In this example, the filledcontainer 2002 is placed into container holder 1112 b, and each ofcarbonator ports 1128 b and 1130 b are engaged with a respectivecontainer valve 1124 b or 1126 b. Continuing with this example, afterengaging the carbonator ports and container valves, liquid 1106 b incontainer 2002 is carbonated and optionally flavored by circulatingfluid (e.g. liquid 1106 b, flavor source, and generated carbon dioxide)through carbonator 2004 and container 2002. Finally, the user in thisexample disengages container 2002 from carbonator 2004 to obtain asealed container 2002 containing a flavored and/or carbonated liquid1106 b for immediate or deferred consumption.

Referring to FIG. 31, carbonator 2004 is shown including a flavorchamber 1170 b, and a carbonation chamber 1164 b. In some examples,carbonator 2004 includes carbonation chamber 1164 b but does not includeflavor chamber 1170 b. As shown, flavor chamber 1170 b and carbonationchamber 1164 b are fluidly coupled to carbonator inlet and outlet ports1128 b and 1130 b. Engaging each of carbonator ports 1128 b and 1130 bwith a respective container valve 1124 b and 1126 b, may permit fluid(i.e. gas and/or liquid) to be circulated between container 2002 andcarbonator 2004 through flavor chamber 1170 b and carbonation chamber1164 b.

Referring now to FIGS. 31 and 32, carbonator 2004 is shown including achamber lid 2010. Generally, chamber lid 2010 is sized and positionableto seal an opening 2042 to flavor chamber 1170 b and carbonation chamber1164 b. In at least some examples, chamber lid 2010 is selectivelypositionable in the open position, in which the flavor and carbonationchambers 1170 b and 1164 b are uncovered, or in the closed position, inwhich chamber lid 2010 seals the flavor and carbonation chambers 1170 band 1164 b from the outside atmosphere. FIG. 31 shows an example ofchamber lid 2010 in an open position. FIG. 32 shows an example ofchamber lid 2010 in a closed position. In various examples, carbonator2004 can have one chamber lid 2010 as shown sized to cover both chambers1170 b and 1164 b, or a separate chamber lid (not shown) for each ofchambers 1170 b and 1164 b.

As exemplified in FIGS. 31 and 32, carbonator 2004 may have one or moreretention members which act to secure chamber lid 2010 in the closedposition. The retention member(s) are in some examples located onchamber lid 2010, in some examples located other than on chamber lid2010, and in still other examples located on both chamber lid 2010 andother than chamber lid 2010. Chamber lid 2010 is shown includingretention members 2040, which are threads that cooperate with opening2042. In some examples, opening 2042 also includes retention members,such as mating threads. In use, the user can twist chamber lid 2010 toseal chambers 1170 b and 1164 b, or to remove chamber lid 2010 and gainaccess to chambers 1170 b and 1164 b. In other examples, the retentivemembers include one or more of snaps, clips, clamps, buckles, straps,magnets, thumbscrews and any other suitable retentive members. In someexamples, the retentive members include a four-prong screw thread (e.g.like a gas cap).

In some embodiments, carbonator 2004 includes one or more gaskets (e.g.an O-ring) to help chamber lid 2010 form a gas-tight seal when in theclosed position. In some embodiments, chamber lid 2010 is tethered tothe remainder of carbonator 2004 by, for example, a rope, chain, lengthof fabric, or mechanical linkage. In some examples, a collateral actionis triggered when, for example, closing or opening chamber lid 2010moves a button, triggers a sensor, or completes an electric circuit. Inthese examples, the collateral action can be, for example, closingbarrier 1118 b, activating one or more of port actuators 2006 and 2008,or starting or stopping the carbonation cycle.

Referring now to FIG. 32, carbonator 2004 is shown including a pump 1150b. As shown, pump 1150 b is fluidly coupled to carbonator outlet port1128 b, chambers 1170 b and 1164 b, and carbonator inlet port 1130 b.When container 2002 is fluidly engaged with carbonator 2004, pump 1150 bin the example shown may pump fluids (i.e. gas and/or liquid) fromcontainer 2002, through carbonator outlet port 1128 b, through chambers1170 b and 1164 b and back into container 2002 through carbonator inletport 1130 b. Pump 1150 b in this example can pump both fluids andliquids. However, in alternative embodiments, carbonator 2004 includesseparate pumps for pumping liquid and gas.

In one example, a user of at least one embodiment of beveragecarbonation system 2000 can fill container 2002 with liquid 1106 b tofill line 1192 b above first end 1188 b of carbonation tube 1186 b, andthen engage container 2002 with carbonator 2004.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 32, the user may deposit flavor source 1172b into flavor chamber 1170 b, and carbon dioxide source 1168 b intocarbonation chamber 1164 b. In some cases, the user pours or places eachof flavor source 1172 b and carbon dioxide source 1168 b from amulti-use container or a single-use package into a respective chamber1170 b or 1164 b. In other cases, the user may insert a flavor sourcecartridge containing flavor source 1172 b into flavor chamber 1170 b,and a carbon dioxide source cartridge container carbon dioxide source1168 b into carbonation chamber 1164 b. After depositing flavor source1172 b and carbon dioxide source 1168 b, the user moves chamber lid 2010into the closed position. In at least some examples, closing chamber lid2010 seals flavor chamber 1170 b and carbonation chamber 1164 b from theoutside atmosphere.

Continuing to refer to the example shown in FIG. 32, the user may startpump 1150 b after the flavor source 1172 b and carbon dioxide source1168 b are deposited into their respective chambers 1170 b and 1164 b.In some cases, carbonator 2004 includes start actuator 1151 b coupled toa controller 1153 b. In this case, the user may start pump 1150 b bypressing start actuator 1151 b which sends a signal to controller 1153 bto begin the carbonation cycle which may begin by starting pump 1150 b.In alternative embodiments, the activation of pump 1150 b is triggeredby another process, such as closing chamber lid 2010, closing barrier1118 b, or fluidly engaging container 2002 with carbonator 2004. In someexamples, when one or more of these processes is detected by controller1153 b, controller 1153 b starts the carbonation cycle, which may beginwith starting pump 1150 b.

As exemplified in FIG. 32, pump 1150 b pumps liquid 1106 b throughcarbonation tube 1186 b and carbonator outlet port 1128 b intocarbonation chamber 1164 b until the liquid level inside container 2002falls below carbonation tube 1186 b. In some examples, approximately 30mL of liquid 1106 b is pumped into carbonation chamber 1164 b. Asdescribed in connection with beverage carbonation system 1100, whenliquid 1106 b contacts carbon dioxide source 1168 b they react to formcarbon dioxide gas (CO₂).

In at least some examples, pump 1150 b continues pumping gas fromcontainer headspace 1194 b (now vacated of liquid 1106 b as in FIG. 31)into carbonation chamber 1164 b, which displaces the carbon dioxide gasgenerated in carbonation chamber 1164 b. As exemplified, the displacedcarbon dioxide gas flows through a chamber aperture 1176 b in chamberwall 1175 b into flavor chamber 1170 b. In some examples, flavor chamber1170 b and carbonation chamber 1164 b are not separated by a commonchamber wall 1175 b. In such cases, chambers 1164 b and 1170 b areotherwise fluidly coupled (e.g. by a conduit) such that gas fromcarbonation chamber 1164 b can flow into flavor chamber 1170 b.

As carbon dioxide gas is generated in carbonation chamber 1164 b, andpump 1150 b is optionally running, the pressure downstream of pump 1150b to flavor source 1172 b rises eventually forcing flavor source 1172 bto evacuate flavor chamber 1170 b and enter container 2002 throughengaged carbonator inlet port 1130 b and container inlet valve 1126 b.In some cases, some carbon dioxide gas accompanies flavor source 1172 binto container 2002. The flavor source 1172 b may mix with liquid 1106 bflavoring liquid 1106 b.

The introduction of flavor source 1172 b into container 2002 may raisethe level of liquid 1106 b inside of container 2002 above first end 1188b of carbonation tube 1186 b. In at least some embodiments, the volumeof liquid 1106 b that has risen above first end 1188 b corresponds tothe volume of flavor source 1172 b introduced into container 2002. In atleast some examples, pump 1150 b pumps the volume of liquid 1106 b abovefirst end 1188 b into carbonation chamber 1164 b. In some cases, the newvolume of liquid 1106 b pumped into carbonation chamber 1164 baccelerates the reaction between liquid 1106 b and carbon dioxide source1168 b, thereby increasing the rate of carbon dioxide formation incarbonation chamber 1164 b.

Continuing to refer to the example shown in FIG. 32, carbon dioxide gascontinues to form in carbonation chamber 1164 b, and pump 1150 bcontinues to pump carbon dioxide from carbonation chamber 1164 b intocontainer 2002, and to recirculate gas (i.e. a mixture of air and carbondioxide) from headspace 1194 b back into container 2002. In someexamples, this carbonation process continues for a predeterminedduration, or until a predetermined carbonation level is detected (e.g.when controller 1153 b detects a predetermined system pressure level).In some cases, the user may manually end the process. Generally, whenpump 1150 b is turned off, the carbonation process is terminated.

When the carbonation process is complete, the user may disengagecontainer 2002 from carbonator 2004. Disengaging container 2002, in someexamples, exposes carbonator ports 1128 b and 1130 b to atmospheric airthereby depressurizing carbonator 2004. In some examples, disengagingcontainer 2002 from carbonator 2004 includes activating port actuators2006 and 2008 either manually or automatically, and either directly(e.g. by special purpose button) or collaterally (e.g. in response toopening chamber lid 2010). In at least some examples, container 2002remains sealed after disengagement and contains a carbonated andoptionally flavored liquid 1106 b for immediate or deferred consumption.

Referring back to FIG. 31, after the carbonation process is complete,chamber lid 2010 may be manually or automatically moved to the openposition. FIG. 31 shows beverage carbonation system 2000 after thecarbonation process is complete with container 2002 disengaged fromcarbonator 2004 and chamber lid 2010 in the open position, in accordancewith at least one embodiment. In some examples, when chamber lid 2010 isin the open position, the user may access one or both of flavor chamber1170 b, to clean out any flavor source residue (e.g. syrup or powder),and carbonation chamber 1164 b, to clean out waste 2020.

The composition of waste 2020 depends on liquid 1106 b and carbondioxide source 1168 b which reacted to form carbon dioxide. In someexamples, waste 2020 is a liquid or a slurry. In at least someembodiments, one or both of chambers 1170 b and 1164 b contains a liner2021 that can be removed for cleaning (e.g. at a sink) or disposal (e.g.into the garbage, recycling or compost) and then replaced. In at leastsome examples, the liner is disposable and is replaceable with a newliner. Alternatively or in addition, chambers 1170 b and 1164 boptionally include fixed reinforced (e.g. thicker or ribbed) walls 2023upon which the internal gas pressures bear.

In some examples, pump 1150 b, or another pump, is coupled to a liquidreservoir for providing the initial fill of liquid 1106 b to container2002. In these examples, container 2002 may be inserted into containerholder 1112 b and engaged with carbonator 2004 while empty, and the pumpwill fill container 2002 with a predetermined quantity of liquid fromthe reservoir. This may ensure that container 2002 is filled to theproper level relative to carbonation tube 1186 b. In turn, this mayprovide the desired quantity of liquid 1106 b above first end 1188 b ofcarbonation tube 1186 b for pumping into carbonation chamber 1164 b. Insome embodiments, pumping too little liquid 1106 b into carbonationchamber 1164 b may result in insufficient carbon dioxide generation, andpumping too much liquid 1106 b into carbonation chamber 1164 b mayresult in waste 2020 overflowing into flavor chamber 1170 b and possiblybeing pumped into container 2002.

In the example shown in FIG. 31, carbonator 2004 includes a one-wayvalve 2022. One-way valve 2022 allows fluid to flow from flavor chamber1170 b to carbonator inlet port 1130 b while preventing fluid fromflowing from carbonator inlet port 1130 b to flavor chamber 1170 b. Insome examples, this may prevent liquid 1106 b from container 2002backing up into flavor chamber 1170 b. One-way valve 2022 is in variousexamples one of a check valve, a duckbill valve, and any other suitableone-way valve.

As exemplified in FIG. 31, carbonator 2004 may include pressure reliefvalve 2024. In at least some embodiments, pressure relief valve 2024 isconfigured to open and allow gas to escape to atmosphere when the systempressure rises above a threshold value. This may help to preventcontainer 2002 and/or other elements of beverage carbonation system 2000from becoming overpressurized and exploding.

In at least some embodiments, one or both of flavor source 1172 b andcarbon dioxide source 1168 b is a solid tablet. In some examples, carbondioxide source 1168 b is a coin-shaped tablet, a triangular-shapedtablet or a cubical tablet. In some examples, carbon dioxide source 1168b is a plurality of solid tablets.

Referring to FIG. 32, in some embodiments, carbonation chamber 1164 bincludes an upper wall defining an opening through which carbon dioxidesource 1168 b may be inserted. Similarly, in some embodiments, flavorchamber 1170 b includes an upper wall defining an opening through whichflavor source 1172 b can be inserted. In at least one embodiment, theopening of one or both of chambers 1164 b and 1170 b has a size thatcorresponds with a solid source tablet 1172 b or 1168 b.

In some embodiments, the openings to flavor chamber 1170 b andcarbonation chamber 1164 b are sized to help prevent a user fromaccidentally inserting the carbon dioxide source 1168 b into flavorchamber 1170 b. In one example, carbonation chamber 1164 b has opening2044 sized to permit a carbon dioxide source tablet 1168 b to passtherethrough and into carbonation chamber 1164 b, and flavor chamber1170 b has an opening 2046 through which flavor source 1172 b isreceivable therethrough and into flavor chamber 1170 b. In some cases,carbon dioxide source tablet 1168 b is larger than the opening of flavorchamber 1170 b, whereby flavor chamber 1170 b blocks the passage ofcarbon dioxide source tablet 1168 b through the opening and into theflavor chamber. In some cases, the opening of carbonation chamber 1164 bis larger than the opening of flavor chamber 1170 b. In some cases, theopening of flavor chamber 1170 b is sized too small for the carbondioxide source tablet 1168 b to pass therethrough. This may prevent thecarbon dioxide source tablet 1168 b from being inserted into flavorchamber 1170 b. In some examples, carbon dioxide source tablet 1168 b isthin and generally cylindrical (e.g. like a coin). In one such example,the opening to carbonation chamber 1164 b has a diameter that is equalto or greater than the diameter of carbon dioxide source tablet 1168 b,and the opening to flavor chamber 1170 b has a diameter that is lessthan the diameter of carbon dioxide source tablet 1168 b.

In some embodiments, a carbon dioxide source tablet 1168 may react moreslowly with liquid 1106 b inside carbonation chamber 1164 b than anequal mass of granular or liquid carbon dioxide source 1168 b. Forexample, a carbon dioxide source tablet 1168 b may expose less surfacearea for contact with liquid 1106 b than would a granular or liquidcarbon dioxide source 1168 b.

In some embodiments, carbonator 2004 includes a heater 2030 to heatliquid 1106 b. In at least some cases, carbon dioxide source 1168 breacts more quickly upon contact with warmer liquid. In some examples,heater 2030 is positioned to heat liquid 1106 b inside of container2002. However, in many cases, carbon dioxide diffuses more slowly intowarmer liquid. Moreover, a user may prefer to consume a cold liquid 1106b upon completion of the carbonation process, which may be frustrated byheater 2030 heating liquid 1106 b. Therefore, it may be preferable forheater 2030 to be located, as shown, in the flow path betweencarbonation outlet port 1128 b and carbonation chamber 1164 b forheating the small quantity of liquid which is pumped from container 2002into carbonation chamber 1164 b. In the example shown, heater 2030 isdownstream of pump 1150 b. In alternative embodiments, heater 2030 isupstream of pump 1150 b.

As exemplified in FIG. 32, heater 2030 heats liquid 1106 b pumped fromcontainer 2002 toward carbonation chamber 1164 b. In some examples,heater 2030 compensates for a slower rate of reaction of a carbondioxide source tablet 1168 b. In some examples, carbon dioxide sourcetablet 1168 b reacts more quickly with heated liquid and therebyproduces carbon dioxide at an equal or faster rate than would an equalmass of powered carbon dioxide source 1168 b when contacted by unheatedliquid 1106 b. In some embodiments, carbon dioxide source 1168 b is aplurality of tablets. This may provide carbon dioxide source 1168 b withadditional surface area for reaction with liquid 1106 b and therebyincrease the rate of carbon dioxide production. This may also permitsmaller or thinner carbon dioxide source tablets 1168 b and acorrespondingly smaller or thinner opening to carbonation chamber 1164 binto which a user may find it even more difficult to pour or insertflavor source 1172 b into carbonation chamber 1164 b.

The present invention has been described here by way of example only.Various modification and variations may be made to these exemplaryembodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of making a carbonated beverage, comprising:introducing a liquid into a container; sealing the container with aclosure; engaging the container with a carbonator; placing a carbondioxide source in a carbonation chamber of the carbonator; opening acontainer outlet valve in the container to transfer a portion of theliquid to the carbonation chamber to react with the carbon dioxidesource in the carbonation chamber to produce a carbon dioxide gas;opening a container inlet valve in the container to transfer the carbondioxide gas produced by the carbon dioxide source into the container toobtain a carbonated liquid in the container; closing the containeroutlet valve and the container inlet valve to seal the container; anddisengaging the container from the carbonator.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising: prior to closing the container outlet valve and thecontainer inlet valve to seal the container and disengaging thecontainer from the carbonator placing a flavor source in a flavorchamber of the carbonator; and transferring the pressurized carbondioxide gas produced in the carbonation chamber into and the through theflavor chamber to transport the flavor source and the carbon dioxide gasto the container inlet valve, wherein opening the container inlet valvein the container transfers the carbon dioxide gas produced by the carbondioxide source and the flavor source into the container to produce acarbonated and flavored liquid in the container.
 3. The method of claim1, further comprising: heating the portion of the liquid transferringfrom the container chamber to the carbonation chamber.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: recirculating carbon dioxide gas from aheadspace in the container above the liquid into the container inletvalve.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the carbon dioxide source is asolid material that is chemically reactive with the liquid to emit thecarbon dioxide gas when the liquid contacts the carbon dioxide source.6. The method of claim 5, wherein the solid material comprises a mixtureof an acid and a bicarbonate, and the liquid is water.
 7. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the carbon dioxide source is a tablet.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the carbon dioxide source is reactive with the portionof the liquid to produce residual waste in the carbonation chamber, andthe method further comprises ejecting the residual waste from thecarbonation chamber into a waste reservoir.
 9. A method of making acarbonated beverage, comprising: generating carbon dioxide gas in acarbonation chamber; providing a flavor source in a flavor chamber, theflavor chamber in fluid communication with the carbonation chamber and acontainer of liquid; and directing the generated carbon dioxide gas fromthe carbonation chamber into the container via the flavor chamber tocarbonate the liquid, the carbon dioxide gas driving the flavor sourceinto the container to flavor the liquid.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein said generating carbon dioxide gas comprises transferring aportion of the liquid from the container to the carbonation chamber. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein said generating carbon dioxide gasfurther comprises reacting the portion of the liquid with a carbondioxide source in the carbonation chamber to produce the carbon dioxidegas.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising heating the portionof the liquid transferring to the carbonation chamber.
 13. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said transferring the portion of the liquid comprisespumping the portion of liquid from an upper portion of the container tothe carbonation chamber.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the carbondioxide source is a solid material that is chemically reactive with theliquid to emit the carbon dioxide gas when the liquid contacts thecarbon dioxide source.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the solidmaterial comprises a mixture of an acid and a bicarbonate, and theliquid is water.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the carbon dioxidesource is a tablet.
 17. The method of claim 9, wherein said directingthe carbon dioxide gas into the container comprises directing the carbondioxide gas into an inlet in a lower portion of the container.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising: recirculating carbon dioxide gasfrom a headspace in the container above the liquid into the inlet. 19.The method of claim 18, further comprising: detecting a gas pressure inthe container; and discontinuing said recirculating in response todetecting the gas pressure is equal to or greater than a predeterminedvalue.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein said reacting producesresidual waste in the carbonation chamber, and the method furthercomprises ejecting the residual waste from the carbonation chamber intoa waste reservoir.